There are both tricks and treats aplenty during the Halloween season, including an increase in home damage, vandalism, and theft: Mercury Insurance claims increase 5 percent for homes during the week of Halloween, Nationwide Insurance averages a 9 percent rise in homeowners claims related to vandalism and State Farm reports there are 15 percent more thefts on Halloween than the daily average. If you’re staying at home or in the local area for Halloween, you can check on your home regularly, but how can you protect your second home when you are away?
In the weeks leading up to Halloween, it’s important to increase your vacation home’s security. There are multiple options — from inexpensive, five-minute fixes to pricier and more involved measures. Depending on your budget and timeline, consider implementing a few of these safety measures to protect against vandals and mischievous trick-or-treaters.
1. Secure Your Car in the Garage
If you keep a car at your second home, lock it in the garage. Cars parked outdoors are more likely to be vandalized or stolen. If you do not have a garage or if you have an open carport, park your car in a more secure location, either at a neighbor’s home or at your primary house.
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2. Clean Up Your Landscaping
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While you may think oversized shrubs improve your home’s security, they can actually attract burglars, as they provide plenty of places to hide. Trim overgrown trees and bushes, keep doors and windows easily visible, and make sure your entryway is clear and visible from the street. As an extra layer of protection, plant thorny bushes beneath windows to discourage would-be intruders.
3. Increase Your Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is an effective way to deter burglars. Install outdoor lights near your front door, as well as key entry points and any hidden or dark areas. Use light timers or motion-sensitive lights instead of leaving lights on all day, and consider decorative lights along the pathway to the front door for better visibility from the street.
4. Talk to Your Neighbors
Ask around the neighborhood to see who will be home on Halloween. Depending on your relationship with your neighbors, ask them to keep an eye on your home and provide them your contact information in case of an emergency.
5. Double Check Door and Window Locks
Old doors, windows and locks are easier to break into. Double check the windows and doors throughout your second home and replace any that are rusty or insecure. If your windows do not have locks, sliding window locks cost a few dollars apiece and take only a few minutes to install.
6. Add Home Automation Features
Home automation systems have greatly increased in popularity over the past few years. Because you can access these systems remotely through a smartphone or computer, home automation is ideal for a second home. Depending on your budget, a home automation system can incorporate smart door locks, automated lighting, a smart thermostat and more. When you’re away from your vacation home during the Halloween season, consider installing a smart lighting system that you can control remotely and schedule interior home lights to turn on in the evening to ward off burglars. Keep in mind, though, that while home automation systems are becoming more readily available, they are not as affordable as the average security system and will take time to install and schedule according to your preferences.
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7. Install a Home Security System
While a home automation system is considered a luxury to some, a home security system is an essential, particularly for second homes that are frequently vacant. From inexpensive, easy-to-use systems to advanced video security options, you can find a home security system that fits within your budget and needs.
About Elli Bishop and SafeWise
Elli is the head of outreach at SafeWise. SafeWise is a community-focused safety organization committed to increasing home and community safety through education, awareness, and preparedness. Interested in finding a security provider that offers flood prevention solutions? Try the system finder at SafeWise.com!
Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.
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