Safety Facts and Advice for Halloween: Spooky Season Statistics

Autumn security can be improved with adequate lighting

Autumn Evenings, Safer Homes: Fire, Theft & Insurance Tips for Spooky Season

With the clocks going back and autumn deepening, longer, darker evenings bring a certain charm... as well as a few hidden dangers.

Bonfire Night fireworks and Halloween costumes add to the season's celebrations, but they also pose safety risks.

Fire Hazards: Pumpkins, Fireworks & More

Fire risks are synonymous with Halloween and Bonfire Night. Unintentional fires can arise from carved pumpkins with candles, fireworks, bonfires, and even discarded sparklers.

  • Pumpkin Candles: Candles in pumpkins can ignite nearby decorations or dry foliage. Reduce this risk by using battery-operated LED lights.

  • Fireworks: Over 2,000 emergency calls were made to the London Fire Brigade during Diwali, Halloween, and Fireworks Night in 2023 - 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.

  • Injuries from fireworks: Around Bonfire Night, Fire Scotland reported that over 10 people a day were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.

To mitigate these risks, ensure that 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

Beyond the obvious fire hazards, everyday items can also pose risks:

  • Circuit overloads: Be aware of electrical overloads when using lights and decorations. It is recommended to use extension cords that are rated for outdoor use and to avoid daisy-chaining multiple cords together.

  • Heating Devices: Portable heaters should be kept away from flammable materials like curtains and bedding. Never leave them unattended.

  • Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year and test them monthly. There is no doubt that a functioning smoke alarm can save your life.

Darker Nights, Higher Risks

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

  • 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:

  • Make your property secure by installing motion-sensing lights.

  • Make it appear as if someone is at home by using timers for indoor lights.

  • Lock all doors and windows, even when you are at home.

  • Keep an eye on local crime trends by joining or starting a neighbourhood watch program.

Insurance Considerations: Are You Covered?

You should review your home insurance policy to make sure it covers seasonal risks:

  • Accidental Damage: Check if your policy includes accidental damage cover, especially if you plan to host gatherings or use fireworks 

  • Vandalism and theft: Confirm that your policy covers theft and vandalism, particularly during periods of increased risk.

  • Valuable decorations and equipment should be adequately insured if they are valuable.

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

Autumn brings its share of risks, but if you take proactive steps, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe and have a good time.

You can enjoy the fun without being scared 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.

We search our panel of leading underwriters to find you the best policy

Why choose Performance Direct?

  1. The latest digital systems. Our customers enjoy all the advantages of the digital world. We offer excellent web and app-based insurance services, including a fast, easy-to-use quote engine, and automated customer services allowing hassle-free access to documents and information.

  2. The peace of mind of a Chartered Broker. Everything we do is backed by a team of skilled, experienced insurance professionals. We’re a Chartered Insurance Broker, a family company with a proud 40-year history, so we’re bound by a personal and professional code to deliver the best service for our clients.

  1. We’re independent. Because we’re not tied to any brand or product, we can search the insurance market to get you the best policies. Whenever you ask for a new or a renewal quote, our systems search a panel of up to 100 leading UK underwriters to ensure you get the lowest price and the best policy.

  2. We’re on your side. If you need to make a claim, because we’re completely independent, we work with you to sort everything out and to make sure your claim is paid. Our claims service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

  3. Here for you. Your Online Insurance Account, support features, and on-line quotations are available 24/7, and our office is open 6 days a week.

Combining the advantages of the latest technology with real world experience, Performance Direct promises the lowest prices with the most efficient service.