Every year, homeowners across the country open their doors to ghosts, goblins — and sometimes, uninvited guests. Halloween is a spooky time of year, but it doesn't have to be a scary time for homeowners.
According to homeowners insurance claims to Travelers Insurance, there’s a 68% increase in vandalism claims compared to all other days of the year, as well as an 8% increase in theft and a 5% increase in mysterious disappearance (namely lost, misplaced or stolen items).
Halloween is a fun holiday for both kids and adults alike. But as a homeowner, it's important to take some extra precautions to ensure that your home is safe for all the ghosts and goblins who come knocking on your door.
Here are 10 tips to help you prepare your house for a spooky and safe Halloween.
A well-lit home will deter would-be thieves, as well as make it easier for trick-or-treaters to find your house. (Plus, it’s just good Halloween etiquette, so families know you’re giving out candy.)
Don’t forget to also illuminate your walkway and entryway. This will help trick-or-treaters see where they're going and also discourage would-be burglars who might take advantage of the darkness to break into homes. You can use solar lights or battery-operated LED lights to light up your walkway without adding to your electric bill. (Just be sure to position them so that they won't create a tripping hazard.)
Halloween can be a stressful time for pets, especially if they're not used to having strangers in or around their home. Be sure to keep them in a separate room during peak trick-or-treating hours, so they don't get overwhelmed, scared, or even bite any little ghosts and goblins who come by your house.
If you don't know the person at the door (and they’re not an obvious trick-or-treater), don't let them in. Be cautious of strangers asking for directions or offering help — if something doesn't feel right, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Make sure all your doors and windows are locked before you start handing out candy. While it’s not something homeowners want to think about, there are certainly mischievous teenagers (and adults) who will distract the owner in the front of the home with trick-or-treating and burglarize elsewhere.
In addition, make sure your windows and doors are locked before you go to bed. You certainly don't want unwanted visitors coming in while you're asleep! And, if you have an alarm system, make sure it's turned on.
Candles may add to the ambiance of your Halloween decorations, but they can also be a fire hazard.
If you're using candles to decorate your home, make sure they're placed in safe locations where they won't start a fire. Also, ensure they’re in sturdy holders and kept away from flammable materials like curtains or tablecloths.
Last but certainly not least, never leave candles unattended! If you have to run out of the house for a last minute Halloween errand, either blow all your candles out or consider switching to electronic or flameless options.
Candles aren’t the only dangerous decor you should be aware of. When putting up Halloween decorations, be sure to use only flame-resistant or nonflammable materials.
Don’t forget choking hazards. Also, avoid using decorations that could be harmful if swallowed, such as small pieces that could become choking hazards. Keep an eye on small children to make sure they don't put anything dangerous in their mouths.
If you have expensive jewelry or electronics, put them away before Halloween night so they're not tempting targets for thieves. You can also consider keeping your blinds drawn or covering them up with decorations.
It’s a grim reality, but with so many extra visitors to your home on one night, the last thing you want to do is draw unwanted attention to your valuables.
On an evening where pranks are historically performed, it’s helpful to keep an extra watchful eye out. If you see any suspicious activity, call the police immediately.
If you have stairs leading up to your porch, be sure that the railings are firmly secured so that no trick-or-treaters fall and hurt themselves. Also, make sure any props or decorations aren't blocking the view of the steps so people can see where they're walking.
Halloween is supposed to be fun, don’t forget to take some time to relax and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
If you love handing out candy, enjoy the time spent with your neighborhood trick-or-treaters. If you love decorating, get creative during this holiday. And if Halloween movies are more your thing, enjoy a spooky night in.
Halloween is a fun time of year for kids and adults alike, but it's also a time when criminals are on the prowl. By following these simple tips, you can help keep your home safe this Halloween season. Happy haunting!
And if you need help finding the best homeowners insurance coverage for the best price, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a homeowners insurance quote online now.