Despite Halloween being one of the most fun days of the year, it's important to remain aware of your home's risks. Trick-or-treaters might be friendly, but Halloween is a day on which thieves try to break into unattended homes. Your property and vehicle can get damaged by vandals. Here are helpful tips to make your Halloween safer and more enjoyable.
Halloween General Home Safety Tips
- Disable your alarm under trick-or-treating ends - It's a good idea to shut off your alarm to avoid false alarms if you plan on opening the door frequently for trick-or-treaters.
- Put your pets in a closed room - Since you'll have multiple visitors, keeping pets, especially dogs, away from the front door is best. Not all people are comfortable around pets. Large dogs and even small dogs or cats have sharp teeth that can cause deep wounds. Keeping your pets in a room will be less stressful for them.
- Turn on outside lights - A well-lit home helps trick-or-treaters on their journey, even if you aren't handing out candy. Walking by dark homes raises risks of potential accidents for groups of kids. The walkway to your door should be well-lit. You can help crowds of trick-or-treaters by installing motion-sensor lights that light up when they walk by or approach your door.
- Sweep your driveway and walkway - Make sure your walkway is clean and free of any objects that children might trip over. Be sure it's not slippery. If someone is injured on your property, your home insurance should cover the medical bills, but it can still lead to a lawsuit.
Tips on Safe Halloween Decorations
- Don't place decorations on sidewalks - Sidewalks are meant for pedestrians and people in wheelchairs. Keep all walkways clear of pumpkins and other Halloween decorations, so your property is safe for visitors.
- Use LED-lit candles instead of real candles - Outdoor candles can get knocked or blown over to start fires, so it's safer to use bright LED lights. Make sure your smoke detector is on for lighting candles in an indoor jack-o-lantern.
- Tone down the scary decorations - Scary props can encourage unruly behavior. Playful themes work better for attracting young trick-or-treaters.
- Finish your home improvements - Make sure you've finished any home projects relating to safety. It will reduce risks for visitors.
Keys to Protecting Your Assets
-
- Park your car in the garage - Don't let your vehicle be an open target for thieves and vandals. Many of these criminals strike on Halloween due to the high number of people who go out and celebrate.
- Take pictures of your property before festivities begin - Photographic evidence of your belongings is helpful for insurance purposes in case you have to file a damage claim.
- Turn your alarm back on before you go to bed - After all the Halloween characters have gone home, remember to turn your alarm back on. Alarm systems help homeowners feel safer and more comfortable, especially if they own valuable assets.
Cover Your Home This Halloween with Little & Sons Insurance Services
Your homeowners insurance policy covers theft and vandalism. However, you must ensure sufficient coverage to protect all your valuable assets. Contact us at Little & Sons Insurance Services for more information on how to protect your home, so you can focus on making your Halloween safe and festive.
[ShortCode=form-id-112]
