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Don’t let things that go ‘bump in the night’ spoil your Halloween

Here’s some tricks that will work a treat to keep the fun going!

With the spookiest night of the year just around the corner, hordes of ghosts and ghoulies, witches and wizards and other creepy creatures may well be descending upon your street ready to surprise you with their tricks for treats campaigns. We’ve put together some Halloween safety tips to help you prepare and stay safe!

With the clocks going back on the weekend before Halloween, resulting in longer nights, there’s often a rise in home contents claims related to burglary and theft, as seen in previous years.

While Halloween mischief is mostly all in good fun, some may see it as an opportunity to cause trouble, potentially leading to damage to your property. Whether you’re dressing up in your spookiest costume or settling in for a scary movie night, here are our top tips to protect your home and avoid any frightening repair issues.

Perfect Pumpkin Placement

After spending hours carving your perfect pumpkin, make sure to display it safely. Avoid placing candles or pumpkin lights near flammable items like costumes or decorations. Consider using battery-powered candles for a safer spooky effect.

Prune your greenery

Overgrown trees or bushes near doors and windows can provide hiding spots for potential burglars. Trim them back to prevent anyone from using them as cover.

Let There Be Light

As nights grow darker, a well-lit home can deter intruders. If you’re heading out, leave some lights on, including outdoor lighting, as those looking to cause trouble tend to operate in the shadows. Use either carved pumpkins or security lights to keep your property illuminated and discourage unwanted visitors. Never leave lit candles unattended.

Keep Valuables Hidden

Whether you’re heading out or staying in, keep valuables out of sight from passers-by. Secure outdoor items like garden ornaments and store car keys away from doors, especially for keyless entry vehicles.

Park Smart

If your car will be unused during Halloween, consider parking it in a garage to protect it from potential pranks or damage.

Lock Up Tight

Be extra cautious by setting your home alarm and checking all windows, doors, sheds, and outbuildings are securely locked before heading out for Halloween festivities.

Pets Protected

A quick note about pets—don’t leave them outside. Not only do they become easy targets for pet thieves, but they can also be scared by loud noises and excited children. Keep your curtains closed and ensure your pets are settled in a safe, comfortable space, ideally in a quiet, separate room, to help them feel secure.

Drive Safely

On Halloween night, be extra mindful of your speed in residential areas, as children in costumes may suddenly cross the street. If you are out with children carry glow sticks or use a torch and reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colours to help kids see and be seen by drivers.

Stay Vigilant

While it’s fun to greet trick-or-treaters, be cautious when opening the door. If you feel uneasy, trust your instincts and avoid opening it.

Costume Safety

When purchasing costumes, ensure they are flame-resistant. If making costumes, use flame-retardant materials like polyester or nylon. Look for the UKCA or UKNI mark on the label. All costumes should be kept away from fire, lit candles and all other naked flames. Check out safety tips from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for more advice.