Halloween is a night of spooks and scares. Most people join these ghoulish activities for fun, but some like to use this holiday as a cover for their crimes.
No matter how you like to celebrate Halloween, make sure you’re taking measures to keep your home and family safe. The tips below can help you maintain security and guard against mischief this Halloween.
1. Arm your home security system
Trick or treating is the most popular way to celebrate Halloween. Joining your costumed kids as they travel around the neighborhood on their quest for treats will keep them safe, but it may leave your home vulnerable to burglars.
Before leaving the house, make sure you’ve locked the doors and armed the security system. Your system will guard your home from anyone who tries to break in. It will also keep overeager trick-or-treaters out if they try to open the front door while you’re away.
It’s also a good idea to keep your phone close by. If anything happens at the house, you can stay up-to-date through your security app.
2. Adjust your camera notifications
Today’s home security cameras offer numerous features, including smart notifications. If you have outdoor cameras or a doorbell camera that uses motion-activated alerts, you should adjust your settings before trick or treating begins.
During the evening, dozens of people will come to your door for candy. Each of these groups of visitors will trigger your cameras, blowing up your phone with notifications. Even if you’re not offering candy, you may still get a few visitors.
Plus, depending on the location of your outdoor cameras, you might get an alert every time someone uses the sidewalk near your home.
Thankfully, you can easily turn off your notifications or adjust the settings to limit them. Use custom activity zones to tell your cameras to ignore high-traffic areas. Whatever you choose to do, just don’t forget to restore these settings at the end of the night.
3. Monitor your yard
For teens, Halloween offers the perfect opportunity to get up to mischief. Unlucky homeowners may wake to find their trees covered in toilet paper and their walls splattered with eggs.
Though generally harmless, these pranks are a hassle to clean up. Additionally, eggs can scratch and degrade house and vehicle paint. You may end up with a costly repair bill for someone else’s “fun.”
Outdoor security cameras are a great way to protect your property. Some pranksters may be scared off when they see the cameras. You can use your device’s siren or two-way communication to let them know you’re aware of their presence. Plus, if they do cause damage, you can use the footage to track them down.
If you don’t have security cameras, consider motion-activated lighting. The sudden illumination may be enough to chase pranksters away before they can do any harm.
4. Consider which decorations you use
Decorating is a fun part of any holiday. As you set up your spooky decorations, however, make sure they aren’t creating security risks.
Some homeowners like to fill their lawns with large inflatables, for instance. These decorations are fun, but they can also block your view of your property.
When you’re setting your decorations up, make sure they’re not blocking any of your cameras. Burglars might use your decor as cover while breaking into windows or doors, so think carefully about where you’re putting each item.
5. Protect your vehicles
Intentional damage such as egging is a concern on Halloween, but it’s not the only way your vehicles can be damaged. With so many people walking up to your home, your vehicles are at risk of being scratched or bumped into.
The best way to protect your vehicles is to store them in the garage for the night. If you can’t, consider using a security device such as Vivint’s Car Guard to guard them. This solution will let you know if anyone has bumped into your vehicle or tried to break into it.
Outdoor cameras are another security option. Ensure protection by including your driveway in the camera’s view before trick or treating begins.
6. Use your doorbell camera to enjoy the party
Halloween parties are a fun way to enjoy the holiday without leaving your home. If you’re constantly running to answer the door, however, you can’t fully join in on the fun.
A video doorbell offers an easy way let guests in without interrupting the festivities. When the doorbell rings, you can use the two-way communication feature to let guests know that the door is open.
For greater safety, you can pair your doorbell camera with a smart door lock. Use the app to unlock the door for guests and lock it again behind them.
Answering the door through your phone also allows you to see who’s knocking. When a trick-or-treater comes by, you’ll know to either go to the door or use your doorbell to direct them to a bowl of candy or the next house.
7. Take steps to discourage burglars
The best way to stop burglars is to make your home an unappealing target.
Most security providers offer yard and window signs that tell thieves that your home is protected. Advertise your security system prominently to scare any would-be burglars away.
Outdoor security cameras have a similar effect. Since thieves don’t want to get caught, they try to avoid targets with cameras. Plus, if they do trigger your camera, it will send an alert to your phone. You can talk to the thieves through the device to scare them off.
Burglars may not target your home if they think it’s occupied. Keep your home well-lit, especially if you’re gone. Outside lights are especially important, as they will help passers-by spot any suspicious activity.
Halloween is meant to be a night of harmless fun. Use these tips to secure your home against intruders and burglars. When you know your home is safe, you can enjoy the festivities even more.
