Home Alarm Systems – Your Halloween Safety Reminder

Halloween is only a few days away, so let’s revisit the key safety tips we offered in my last post on how to get ready for this annual tradition. Our house will be offering Pirate’s Booty again – always a big hit in our neighborhood (and as snacks go, it’s actually one of the healthier ones). So, here again is a list of what you can do to make your home safer, followed by advice and how to make the most of your own neighborhood adventure. As before, this material comes from the National Crime Prevention Council and other resources, all public services that we appreciate.

On the home front, a slightly expanded list:

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, rakes, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Pass on the candles and use battery-powered jack-o’-lantern candles instead. By the way, check out this link for some interesting jack-o’-lantern folklore!
• Turn on outdoor lights (be sure to check and replace burned-out bulbs).
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater. If your trick-or-treaters come home with a bucket of candy be sure to keep it away from dogs. The chocolate and wrappers are a hazard.
• Ask your Neighborhood Watch or citizens’ group to patrol the community.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your local police or sheriff’s department.

And for your own trick-or-treaters:

• Drive slowly all evening—you never know what creature may suddenly cross your path.
• Make sure older kids go out with friends. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. If you live in a rural area, offer all kids a ride in the car.
• Together, map out a safe route so you know where they’ll be. Remind them not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys, or playing fields.
• Remind kids not to enter a strange house or car.
• Try to get kids to trick-or-treat while it is still light out. If it is dark, make sure the children are carrying flashlights that work.

Again, FrontPoint wishes you and your family a safe and fun-filled Halloween. As the nation’s leader for interactive, wireless home security, we remain fully committed to the protection of your home and family with alarm systems that are safer, smarter, simpler, and more affordable. We’re all about peace of mind - even when ghosts and goblins stalk the streets.