Spooky Season Statistics: Safety Facts for Autumn Nights

Protect Your Home from Autumn’s Hidden Dangers — Safety Tips and Insurance Insights

In the midst of a deeper autumn and the clocks going back, longer evenings bring a certain charm... but also a few hidden dangers. Halloween costumes and fireworks add to the season's celebrations, but they are also hazardous.

Pumpkins, fireworks, and more fire hazards

Halloween and Bonfire Night are synonymous with fire risks. Fireworks, bonfires, carved pumpkins with candles, and even discarded sparklers can cause unintentional fires.

• Pumpkin Candles: Candles placed in pumpkins can ignite decorations nearby or dry foliage. LED lights with battery power can reduce this risk.
  
  
• Fireworks: The London Fire Brigade received over 2,000 emergency calls during Diwali, Halloween, and Fireworks Night in 2023, up 13%. Bonfire Night alone saw a 14% spike in calls, making it the busiest for the Brigade since 2016.
  
  
• Fireworks injuries: Fire Scotland reported that over ten people a day were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries around Bonfire Night.

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

The silent threat of accidental fires

In addition to the obvious, everyday items can also pose a fire hazard:

• Avoid overloading electrical circuits when using lights and decorations. You should use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use and avoid daisy-chaining multiple cords.
• Make sure that portable heaters are kept away from curtains and bedding that may be flammable. Never leave them unattended.
• Change the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year, and test them monthly. Smoke alarms are unquestionably life-saving devices.

Darker Nights, Higher Risks

As daylight hours shorten, burglaries become more likely. Criminals often break into homes during the dark hours.

•   Increased Burglary Rates: It is not surprising that certain crimes, including burglary, are more likely to occur after dark.
  
  
• Statistics: There were 191,490 residential home break-ins in England and Wales for the year ending March 2023, with 53% of them occurring throughout the evening or at night. 

To protect your home:

• Install motion-activated lights on your property to ensure its safety.
  
  
• Set indoor lights on timers to create the illusion that someone is at home.
  
  
• Always lock your doors and windows, even when you are at home.
  
  
• Join or start a neighbourhood watch program to keep track of local crime trends.

Considerations for Insurance: Are You Covered?

Make sure your homeowner's insurance covers seasonal risks:

• Check your policy for accidental damage cover, especially if you plan to host gatherings or use fireworks
  
  
• Check your policy coverage for theft and vandalism during times of increased risk.
  
  
• Decorations and equipment that are valuable should be adequately insured.

If you need to make any adjustments to your policy, contact your insurance provider.

Autumn brings its share of risks, but if you take proactive measures, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy the fun without being scared!

If you have any questions about your home insurance or need assistance reviewing your policy, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We're here to help you stay protected.