According to Travelers Insurance, last year insurance claims related to property crime, including theft, vandalism, and malicious mischief, spiked by 24% on Halloween. The Highway Loss Data Institute reported in recent years, “Nationally, the number of vandalism claims on Halloween was 81% higher than the yearly average.”
Whatever festivities you have planned for tonight to celebrate All Hallows Eve, there is an increased risk of unexpected or unfavorable events occurring as a byproduct. Here are a few tips to protect yourself, your family, and your property from becoming one more ghoulish statistic.
Use Candles Carefully
FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration reported an increase in fires reported to fire departments around Halloween. If you’re illuminating a jack-o-lantern, use a battery-powered light or LED instead of a candle that needs constant supervision.
Prep Your Property
Clear your walkways and entryway of any obstacles that could cause a slip and fall accident and be sure there is adequate lighting for visitors. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers an extensive list of ideas worth noting to protect those little trick-or-treaters as well as the grownups showing up at your door.
Protect Your Pets
With all the additional excitement, costumes, noise, and other out-of-the-ordinary merriment taking place, your pets will be on sensory overload. A normally friendly dog could be confused by the strangeness of a costume and provoked to bite someone. Keeping pets in a quiet, separate room will be in their best interest. And be sure they are safely out of reach from anything they might consume that could make them ill – or worse.
We hope you will have nothing more to report tomorrow other than having had a really enjoyable evening tonight. And, as we kick off the holiday season with increased house party hosting, you may want to review your Homeowners Insurance to be sure you have enough protection for those unexpected events that sometimes accompany entertaining at home. If you have questions or need any assistance, please feel free to contact one of our expertly trained Pallant Insurance Agents.
