If you’re the kind of person that starts decorating for Halloween in August, then you understand just how fun this time of year can be. Is there anything better than dressing up in costume, handing out treats, and maybe even giving the neighborhood kids a scare or two? While Halloween is certainly one of the most entertaining holidays of the year, it is also the most dangerous. In fact, crime rates can spike up to 50 percent higher on the scariest night of the year. If you’re a New York homeowner, then follow these tips to make sure you don’t get spooked this Halloween.

Keep it clean

First of all, if you have a yard, then you need to keep it clean – especially if you’ll be welcoming trick-or-treaters to your home. While dead leaves and branches make for spooky decor, they can also pose a tripping hazard. Some costumes may limit vision, so make sure nobody hurts themselves by raking up leaves and keeping all sidewalks and porches free from debris.

Avoid real flames

Jack o’ lanterns are the ultimate Halloween decoration. And they look especially menacing when a flickering candle is placed inside. But open flames can easily become major fires if they’re tipped over. Avoid this problem entirely by using only battery-operated candles. Even the cheap ones look just like the real thing.

Keep pets contained

We know how adorable your pug looks in a bumble bee costume, and that you want all the neighbors to see. But pets – especially dogs – can get spooked easily by all the commotion created on Halloween. Even if you think your dog is the chillest on the block, it’s best to keep them confined to a separate room or in a crate during trick-or-treating.

Darkness is not your friend

We get that it’s easiest to create the ultimate spooky environment by keeping the lights off. But that can be a recipe for disaster. Make sure your guests can clearly see the path to your door. And if you’re planning to be out for the evening, keep your lights on. Criminals may target your home if it looks dark and empty.

Don’t forget about your car

Cars can be the target of vandalism or theft and Halloween, too. If you have a garage, then park your car inside on Halloween. If not, then park it on a well-lit but quiet street. There’s nothing worse than waking up to dried egg on your new paint job – or worse.

Don’t set off a false alarm

We always recommend that New York homeowners install an alarm system. There are many affordable systems on the market now that allow you to monitor your home from anywhere to give you peace of mind. But if you’re planning to give out candy this year, then remember to disarm your system before the festivities begin. Triggering a false alarm will tie up police and can also result in a hefty fine. Just remember to arm the system again before you head to bed.

Contact Keller New York today

Are you a little spooked by the idea of buying or selling a New York home? Then contact the Keller New York Bronx office at 718-697-6800 or the Eastchester – Scarsdale office at 914-713-3270. Our team has expert knowledge of New York real estate and can help make the real estate process much less scary!