Halloween is a fun time of year with costumes, pumpkins anddecorations. But what makes Oct. 31 so entertaining also makesthe holiday dangerous. Click through the gallery to learn moreabout five Halloween risks and how to avoid them.

Candles: An illuminated walkway creates spookyambiance, but fire damage presents a real threat to homeowners.Trick-or-treaters or party guests may bump into or kick candles andjack-o'-lanterns. LED lights are a safe and affordable substitute,said Paul Morrissette, president of Chubb Insurance SolutionsAgency and AA&B Getting Personal columnist.Encourage clients to place battery-powered lights in pumpkins andline walkways with solar lights. If your clients insist on candles,emphasize that they check smoke alarms before Halloween.

Pets: When little monsters ring the doorbell,Rover tries to protect his turf. Keep pets away from doors so theydon't jump on or bite trick-or-treaters. Candelabras, fog machinesand cobwebs aren't ideal chew toys for dogs. To prevent damage orfires, homeowners should separate pets from Halloween décor.

Lighting and obstructions: Lit candles are ano-go, but that doesn't mean homes should remain in the dark.Proper lighting alleviates risks of trips and falls. Homeownersalso should remove gardening tools, toys and other lawn decorationsfrom areas near sidewalks, driveways and entryways. Cover extensioncords with mats.

“Not only will you keep children safe,” Morrissette said, “butyour home will be less likely to be a target for any pranksterslooking for mischief opportunities.” If your clients are away fromtheir properties Oct. 31, encourage security alarms and motionsensor lights to ward off burglars.

Liquor: Several states have passed “socialhost” laws that expose homeowners, as party hosts, to liabilityrisks for serving alcohol. “Witches' brew in your punch bowl can bea deadly weapon at the end of the night,” Morrissette said. “Nohost wants to deal with the emotional or legal impact of apost-party accident.” To play it safe, emphasize that your clientsact as responsible party hosts:

• Do not serve alcohol to those under 21 and offer non-alcoholicdrinks
• Stop serving alcohol 1 hour before the party ends
• Hire a professional bartender, who can recognize signs ofintoxication and limit consumption
• Arrange transportation and designate sober drivers.

Zombies: The walking dead cause millions ofdollars' worth of damage to homes and vehicles. Offer clients a policy that covers familyrelocation, ammunition restocking and zombie incineration.