Halloween Safety Tips: Nightmare on Claims Street.

BOO! We all love a little scare during the spooky Halloween season. But often insurance claims can be more nightmarish than most want to endure. And while Frankenmuth Insurance promises fast, fair claims around the clock, we want to help you avoid claims in the first place.

Don’t let decorations, pets and pranksters turn your Halloween season into a nightmare. Leave the scares to the trick or treaters and movies by following these Halloween safety tips.

• Be creative and be clever with the decorations. Whether you’re decorating to get into the Halloween spirit or having a competition with your neighbors, be careful. Less noticeable items like extension cords and stakes that hold decor in the ground can quickly become tripping hazards. Clearly mark or secure all furnishings for your home or garden. Try not to go overboard on decorations either; overloading circuits or leaving electrical wiring exposed can quickly lead to disaster. When it comes to jack-o̵
  7;-lanterns, supervise open flames and always blow out candles before going to bed.
• Protect your car. Research shows that car thefts increase by seven to ten percent on Halloween night, so it’s important to take some steps to protect your vehicle. Always make sure your car is locked and valuables are hidden. If possible, park in a locked garage overnight or in a well-lit area to deter criminal behavior.
• Secure your pets. Halloween can be exciting for children, but anxiety-inducing for some pets. When pets are frightened, they may unexpectedly run away or bite. Especially with so many little trick or treaters around, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep your pet in a different place from the hustle and bustle, in another room or even in another house.
• Leave walkways clear and mark any hazards. While we hope the kids will pay attention to where they’re going and stick to walkways, their candy-crazed focus can make it a little challenging. Before trick or treating begins, clear the paths around your home and leading to your door of any debris or tripping hazards. Highlight potential hazards in your garden that can become increasingly dangerous in the dark.
• Watch out for pedestrians. As sidewalks quickly become crowded, many trick or treaters take to the streets. If you’re driving during trick or treat hours, be sure to take extra precautions like driving at a slower speed and having a spotter keep an eye out for pedestrians on the roads.
• Take simple steps to protect your home. Pranksters love this night of scares, but you don’t want pranks on your property. When you’re home, look around your house to make sure nothing is stolen or broken. When you walk or go to bed, leave some lights on. This can deter potential hazards and keep your home safe. For peace of mind on Halloween and beyond, make sure your homeowner’s coverage and auto insurance cover your property against damage or vandalism.

October 31st is a time for costumes, scares and lots of candy…not for insurance claims. These Halloween safety tips will help ensure the spooky fun stays safe. For extra protection for your home, talk to a local, independent agent today. And should a claim arise, you can count on our team to deliver fast, fair results, 24/7.