Memorial Day Sale
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Avoid posting on social media about being away from home on Halloween night. Instead, wait until you return to share your photos. When leaving candy out, do not leave a note on the bowl indicating that you are not home. This can alert burglars that your house is empty.
Having a good relationship with your neighbors can help keep your home safe. Making sure to introduce yourself and connect with community is the first line of protection when you are away from home. They can keep an eye on your property and alert you to any suspicious activity.
Make it look like someone is home by using timers for lights, TVs, and radios. This can give the impression that your house is occupied, even when it's not. Having smart light bulbs is a great way to do this.
Avoid leaving valuable items, such as electronics or jewelry, in plain sight. Don't place your iPad, wallet and watch on the table that is right next to the large window. This is an easy target for someone to open the window and snatch up everything! Store them in a safe or hidden location to reduce the risk of theft.
Prepare for emergencies by creating a family emergency plan. Especially with small children, communicating what to do in an emergency, where to wait safely and how to get back home if lost is important. Include escape routes, meeting points, and important contact information in case of a fire, break-in or if someone gets lost and cannot contact other family members.
Stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. During Halloween, police increase patrols in residential areas to increase the safety of trick-or-treaters and deter property crimes like theft and vandalism. Some cities report a notable spike in crime on this night. Trust your instincts and take action if something doesn't feel right. Your safety is worth the extra vigilance.
Remove any obstacles or decorations that could obstruct the path to your front door. Keep decorations like pumpkins and corn stalks away from walkways to prevent tripping hazards. Although they may look cute, little kids can easily miss their footing when coming up to a door, especially if there are steps.
Keep your pets secure and away from the front door. This can help prevent them from escaping, attacking trick-or-treaters or getting scared by the constant doorbell ringing and commotion. Dogs at the front door are hyper-attuned to new people, noises, scents and wanting to protect their territory. This noisy night can even make the most calm dogs or cats a little stressed.
If you're using candles in your decorations, make sure they are placed in sturdy holders and away from flammable materials. You should keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything in your home. The U.S. Fire Department estimates that there is an average of almost 6,000 home structure fires started by candles each year. Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.
Have a first aid kit handy in case of any minor injuries. Every home should have a first-aid kit with bandaids, gauze, disinfectant and wound cream. Make sure all smoke alarms are working and have a fire extinguisher easily accessible.
By following these expert tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for everyone in your home and neighborhood. Happy Halloween!
Frontpoint keeps homes safe whether families are there or not. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our products page. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 855-866-4409.
