Spooky Season Stats: Home Safety Facts for Autumn Nights

Fireworks, pumpkins, and other fire hazards

It is no secret that Halloween and Bonfire Night involve fire risks. Unintentional fires can result from carved pumpkins, fireworks, bonfires and even discarded sparklers.

• Candles in pumpkins can ignite nearby decorations or dry foliage. To reduce this risk, choose LED lights that run on batteries.
  

• Fireworks: In 2023, over 2,000 emergency calls were made to the London Fire Brigade during Diwali, Halloween, and Fireworks Night—a 13% increase from the previous year. Bonfire Night alone saw a 14% spike in calls, making it the busiest for the Brigade since 2016.
  

• Firework-Related Injuries: On Bonfire Night, Fire Scotland reported the more than 10 people per day required emergency hospital treatment for fireworks-related injuries.

Make sure fireworks are handled by professionals, maintain a safe distance from structures, and keep flammable materials away from ignition sources.

Accidental Fires: A Silent Threat

In addition to obvious fire hazards, everyday items can also pose a risk:

• Ensure that circuits are not overloaded with increased use of lights and decorations. Extension cords should be outdoor-rated, and multiple cords should not be daisy-chained together.
  

• Make sure portable heaters aren't placed near flammable materials such as curtains or bedding. They should never be left unattended.
  

• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year and test them monthly. Working smoke alarms can save lives.

Risks increase with darker nights

The risk of burglaries increases as daylight hours shorten. Darkness is often exploited by criminals to break into homes.

• Studies find, unsurprisingly, that the risk of certain crimes, including burglary, increases after dark.
  

• For the year ending March 2023, there were 191,490 residential home break-https://www.adt.co.uk/blog/the-2023-burglary-reportins in England and Wales, with 53% occurring in the evening or at night.

To protect your home:

• Make your property more secure by installing motion-sensitive lights.
  

• Set indoor lights on timers to give the appearance that someone is home.
  

• Keep all doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are at home.
  

• Participate in a local neighbourhood watch program or start one to stay up-to-date on local crime trends.

Insurance Considerations: Are You Covered?

Review your home insurance policy to ensure it covers seasonal risks:

• Check your policy for accidental damage coverage, especially if you plan to host gatherings or use fireworks.
  

• Protect yourself from theft and vandalism by ensuring that your policy covers such events, especially during periods of increased risk.
  

• Decorations or equipment with valuable value should be adequately insured.

Contact your insurance provider if you have questions about your policy or if any adjustments need to be made.

Even though autumn brings its share of risks, taking proactive measures can ensure a safe and enjoyable season. Prepare for the fun and avoid the fright by staying informed and prepared!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your home insurance or 

need assistance reviewing your policy.

We're here to help you stay protected.