Halloween is a time when the supernatural comes to life, and while we embrace the spooky and the eerie, it’s crucial to ensure that your home remains safe and secure. In this guide, we’ll give you tips on how to keep your home safe during Halloween, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without any haunting concerns.
1. Secure Entry Points
To keep your home safe at Halloween, take the following precautions to secure your home’s entry points:
Lock Doors and Windows:
Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked. It’s easy to forget in the excitement of the holiday, but this simple step can deter unwanted visitors.
Outdoor Lighting:
Well-lit entryways deter potential intruders. Consider motion-activated lights, especially for the front and back doors.
Reinforce Locks:
Upgrade your locks if necessary. Anti-snap locks provide an added layer of security.
2. Fancy Dress and Decorations Safety
Decorating your home and wearing fancy dress is a Halloween tradition, but it’s essential to do so safely to keep your home safe:
Fire Safety:
Use LED candles or lights in your decorations instead of open flames. This reduces the risk of fires, especially if you have paper or cloth decorations.
Flammable Costumes:
Many Halloween costumes are highly flammable and can easily catch fire if they come into contact with an open flame. This can be especially dangerous for children who may not be aware of the risks.
Pathway Lighting:
Illuminate walkways and driveways to prevent accidents and ensure guests can safely navigate your property. Also clear away leaves to reduce slip hazards and trim bushes for better visibility.
Secure Decorations:
Make sure all decorations are properly anchored and won’t become dangerous projectiles in strong winds.
3. Alarm Systems and Surveillance
Investing in a home security system is the best way to keep your home safe because it deters unwanted visitors. If you have a home security system, make sure it’s in good working order:
Test Your Alarm:
Verify that your security system is working correctly. Update any contact information with your monitoring service.
Surveillance Cameras:
If you have security cameras, make sure they are positioned correctly to cover key areas, including entry points and outdoor decorations.
4. Beware of Pranks
While Halloween pranks are part of the fun, they can often cross the line into vandalism, so consider these things to keep your home safe:
Outdoor Cameras:
If possible, make sure any outdoor cameras are visible, which can deter potential pranksters. Video doorbells can be a great solution to prevent pranksters from vandalising or trespassing on your property.
Neighbourhood Watch:
Stay connected with neighbors and establish a neighborhood watch group to keep an eye on each other’s properties.
5. Hide Valuables
Don’t advertise your valuables to potential thieves:
Secure Valuables:
Lock up or keep valuable items out of site, including electronics and jewelry, to prevent temptation for burglars. Avoid hiding valuables like money and jewellery in the bedroom.
Car Security:
If you have to park your car outside, make sure it’s locked, and never leave valuables in plain sight. Make sure you park it in a well-lit area and using a steering lock is still extremely effective against car theft. If you have a driveway, consider getting gates or collapsible posts.
6. A Lone Home
If you plan to go out to trick or treat or head to a Halloween party, and leave your home unattended here are some ways to keep your home safe whilst you’re out and about:
Lock Up:
Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave.
Timed Lighting:
Use timers on indoor lights to create the illusion of occupancy.
Neighbourhood Watch:
Inform trusted neighbors or friends that you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your home.
Enjoy the spookiest night of the year with the peace of mind that your home is safe and secure. By following these simple precautions and safety measures, you can create a hauntingly fun and worry-free Halloween for you and your loved ones whilst you keep your home safe. Embrace the spirit of the holiday while ensuring that your home remains a sanctuary from any real-life scares.
Ensure you follow these tips all year round and be prepared rather than reactive in case a burglar strikes.
Happy Halloween!