Halloween is fun for many kids and families, but vandalism, property damage and insurance claims increase during the holiday. Protect your property this October with these practical tips.
Halloween home safety tips
- Turn on the lights. Reduce the risk of burglary by keeping exterior lights on so your home looks occupied; consider motion-sensor lighting to deter criminals.
- Install security cameras. Use cameras or a doorbell camera to see activity around your property and monitor who approaches your porch.
- Lock the doors and windows. Even if you are home passing out treats, lock doors and windows so visitors cannot enter the back or sides of your home unnoticed.
- Hide valuables. Keep valuables out of plain sight and hide boxes or packaging for new items so they don’t advertise recent purchases.
- Talk to your neighbors. Building friendly relationships helps neighbors watch one another’s homes and report suspicious behavior quickly.
- Remove tripping hazards. Clear branches, toys, extension cords and debris from your yard and porch to reduce risk of trips or falls.
- Light walkways. Install or use pathway and porch lighting to help trick-or-treaters see and to discourage criminal activity.
- Use flameless candles. Replace open flames in jack-o'-lanterns with battery-operated candles to lower fire risk.
- Lock outbuildings. Padlock sheds and garages, lock windows, and secure items inside so vandals or thieves cannot access stored belongings.
- Sit outside. Greeting visitors from your porch or yard lets you watch your property and prevents visitors from entering or casing your home.
- Secure pets. Keep pets in a crate or interior room to prevent them from escaping or becoming stressed by visitors.
- Seal your mailbox. If mailboxes are vandalized in your area, bring yours inside or secure the mail slot to prevent tampering.
- Park in the garage. Keep vehicles in the garage, lock doors and set alarms; if you must park outside, choose a well-lit, populated area.
- Update your homeowners insurance. Make sure your policy covers vandalism, fire damage and liability so you can file a claim if your home is damaged during the holiday.
For extra protection on outdoor structures and stored items, see Outdoor Property/StorageFirst.
If you store specialized equipment or want examples of tailored coverage options, review resources like Escalator Inspectors Property Insurance and review your policy details; you can also talk to your agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove all decorations to reduce risk?
Keep decorations safe and low-risk by avoiding open flames, securing items so they won’t blow away, and removing anything that could create a tripping hazard.
Are doorbell cameras useful on Halloween night?
Yes. Doorbell cameras help you see who is at your door without opening it and provide a record of activity around your entrance.
What should I do if my mailbox is vandalized?
Report vandalism to local authorities, bring your mailbox inside if possible, and consider a locked mailbox to protect mail.
Will homeowners insurance cover Halloween vandalism?
Many policies cover vandalism and related property damage, but coverage varies, so review your policy or consult your agent for specifics.