The creepiest night of the year is just around the corner. But before hordes of miniature monsters show up at your door offering their best tricks for treats, check out our tips to make your home safer this spooky season:
- Reach pumpkin perfection
- Keep your costumes spooky and safe
- Get green fingered
- Let there be light
- Out of sight, out of mind
- Prank-proof your parking
- Give burglars the boo-t
- Drive with caution
- What to do with uninvited guests
- Tired of trick or treaters?
Reach pumpkin perfection
After spending hours carefully carving your most scream-inducing pumpkin, it’s time to pick the perfect spot.
If you’re using candles or tea lights to bring your carving to life, you’ll need to be extra careful about where you put your pumpkin. Keep it well away from anything flammable – including costumes and decorations – as they could catch fire in just a few seconds. Never leave your lit pumpkin unattended and keep it out of reach from children and pets.
For a safer option, consider battery-powered candles or glowsticks instead for the same spooky effect.
Keep your costumes spooky and safe
When buying your child’s costume, always check it’s flame resistant – meaning it should resist burning and extinguish quickly. A ‘UKCA’ or ‘CE’ on the label means the costume meets the UK or EU requirements for safety.
If you’re flexing your hauntingly impressive homemade costume-making skills, use flame-resistant fabrics like nylon or polyester. While it can add a devilish dazzle to your costumes, glitter can be highly flammable.
Get green fingered
While overgrown branches can add to the ‘haunted house’ look, a good prune might be in order. Hedges, trees and bushes can all make ideal hiding places for anyone looking to break into your home. Trim back to prevent opportunistic thieves from taking advantage of these potential hideaways.
Let there be light
With the nights becoming darker, keeping your home well-lit could act as a deterrent to would-be thieves. Creepily carved pumpkins and security lights will keep your home illuminated and raise your chances of shining a spotlight on suspicious activity.
Out of sight, out of mind
Whether you’re going out guising or staying in to watch your favourite scary film, make sure you tidy your valuables away out of plain sight of passers-by.
Keys could be easily snatched as you open your door for trick or treaters. Don’t leave your car keys by the front door, especially if you have a keyless entry car.
Particularly concerned about pranksters? Try to secure all your potted plants and garden ornaments inside your house or shed.
Prank-proof your parking
If you’re out haunting the streets with your little monsters, park your car in your garage overnight. That way, it will be protected from passing pranksters.
Give burglars the boo-t
Spend some extra time double-checking that all windows, doors, sheds, and outhouses are locked and secured properly before heading out trick-or-treating.
Drive with caution
Studies show children are more likely to be injured on the roads on Halloween – especially between 5pm and 7pm.
Keep an eye on your speed when driving on Halloween. With all the excitement, costumed kids may unexpectedly run onto the road, leading to nasty accidents. Pay close attention to all speed limits and obstacles, especially in residential areas.
What to do with uninvited guests
It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of the spookiest night of the year – but you should keep a close eye on who you’re opening your door to. While most people are out to have fun, some might see this as an opportunity for mischief.
If you get an uneasy feeling about the person approaching your door, trust your gut and don’t open it.
Tired of trick or treaters?
If simply want a quiet night in, there are ways you can deter trick or treaters. In a lot of areas, kids are told to avoid houses that aren’t decked in devilish decorations. Make sure there are no decorations or pumpkins visible from outside if you want to avoid trick or treaters.
Halloween is all about having frightfully good fun with your friends and family. Keep the above tips in mind when conjuring up your own plans this All Hallows’ Eve to help everyone have a spooktacular (and safe) time.
