Halloween is upon us. A magical time for ghosts and goblins – or princes and princesses – to scamper through their neighborhoods in search of sweets and other treats.

At American Alarm, we love the spookiest day of the year.  While we make last minute costume decisions (Thanos or Black Widow?), courtesy of the Massachusetts State Fire Marshall and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we want to offer some helpful tips to ensure that you and your children have a spooktacular All Hallow’s Eve:

 

• Be sure all parts of costumes are labeled flame retardant
• If a child is wearing a mask instead of make-up, make sure the eye holes are large enough to see through clearly
• Fireworks are dangerous and illegal in Massachusetts. The ban includes firecrackers, cherry bombs and party poppers
• Use battery operated candles in jack-o-lanterns
• Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible
• Trick-or-treat in groups or with a trusted adult
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see your little Iron Man and Elsa
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering
• Hold a flashlight (check batteries) while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you
• Teach children to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, do not run across the street.

You should also remember that Halloween can be a great time for bad guys to break into your home. They could even dress up and blend right in with the rest of the trick or treaters.

So if you’re out helping your children scare up some goodies and there’s no one at your house:

• Be sure your home is well lit inside and out. Motion sensor lights or spotlights can go a long way toward scaring off (pun intended) a would-be burglar
• Lock all your doors windows (even if you’re at home giving out the goodies)
• If you’re going with your children to score some chocolate, tell a neighbor or two.
• Activate your home security system, even if you are home. Make sure to let your alarm company know if you’re not going to be around.
• If you see anything suspicious, call the police

Have a hauntingly good Halloween and stay safe.

Next Steps

• Learn what American Alarm can do to keep your home from fires and other threats.
• Subscribe to our blog to stay informed about the latest security news and insight.
• Stay current on security topics such as home alarm systems, business security systems, video surveillance