The spookiest day of the year is almost upon us! Though horror movies evoke fear of ghosts and apparitions, there are plenty of not-so-supernatural dangers to be scared of on Halloween.
This fall, practice these 10 Halloween safety tips to keep yourself, your apartment, and your pets completely safe and completely un-scared.
1. Lock your doors (and windows!).
“Halloween crimes” are a real thing. As reported by the Huffington Post, there’s an increase in break-ins on this dark holiday. After all, burglars know most people are out trick-or-treating with little ones or attending Halloween festivities, so homes are unoccupied and easy targets. Even if you live in a notoriously safe apartment complex, take extra precautions around Halloween and double-check that all doors and windows are locked.
2. Don’t leave a spare key under the mat.
Sure, leaving a spare key handy makes things easier when friends or family visit from out of town. However, it also makes it easier for thieves to show themselves into your home. You might as well say, “Come on in!” If you’ve got a spare key hidden outside your apartment, now’s the time to retrieve it.
3. Check to see who’s at the door before swinging it open.
Even if you are one of the lucky apartment dwellers expecting adorable trick-or-treaters, it’s wise to take a peek before opening your door. On Halloween, when alcohol is flowing, crime rates are up, and masked mischief-makers are roaming your town, it’s always better to be overly-cautious.
4. Make sure someone is always home, if possible.
Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up with a horror movie and a personal bowl of Halloween candy? One of the best ways to help prevent a break-in and stay out of harm’s way is to stay home. If you’ve got big Halloween festivities lined up, however, leave your lights and television on to make it appear as if you’ve stayed home.
5. Move any valuables off your balcony or porch.
Do you have a bicycle, grill, or expensive pair of shoes on your apartment balcony? Yes, balcony thefts happen! Bring anything of value inside your unit to prevent someone with sticky fingers from snagging it or a drunken reveler from damaging it.
6. Don’t forget to blow out any candles before leaving your apartment.
Nothing says fall like scented candles. During Halloween, you may also have candles lighting up your beautifully carved jack-o-lantern. Whatever you do, heed to common fire safety advice and don’t leave lit candles unattended! If you’re the forgetful type, it never hurts to add a sticky note to the inside of your front door: “Make sure your candles are blown out!”
