With Halloween just around the corner, many of us here in Myrtle Beach are getting ready to decorate our homes in spooky style! But before you start hanging up ghosts and goblins, home safety should be a top priority.
Over the past few decades, Halloween has become a more prominent holiday in the United States, with some families putting up enough Halloween decorations to rival their Christmas displays.
With all the excitement, and yes, it is exciting, we wouldn’t want you to overlook or avoid things that could damage your home or other people. Let’s have fun and stay safe!
When decorating your home for Halloween, always keep staircases and walkways clear. This will help prevent trips and falls. Remember, if a “trick or treater” or anyone on your property gets injured, it will be on you and your homeowner’s insurance.
With the “let us sue everyone mentality” in America today, be smart and protect your most significant investment. Your Myrtle Beach home.
Here are 3 safety tips for potential hazards that come with decorating your home for Halloween.
1. Home Fire Hazards During Halloween
Nothing says scary more than a house fire! When selecting safe Halloween decorations, be sure to choose items that are flame-resistant or non-flammable.
This will help reduce the risk of a fire in your home. Keep candles and other open flames away from decorative materials that could catch fire.
This includes:
- Curtains
- Tablecloths
- Bedding
- Costumes
- Other Decorations
Don’t use real candles in jack-o’-lanterns. It looks more authentic, but the risk of fire is not worth it if they are not continually monitored. Also, keeping it too close to the house is dangerous.
Opt for battery-operated candles instead.
Another mistake that homeowners make is using too many extension cords. This can create a huge fire hazard, so it is important to use them sparingly and only when necessary. When possible, plug directly into outlets instead of using extension cords.
Make sure you have a few fire extinguishers readily available. Fireworks are probably not a good idea unless you are in a wide-open area, and yes, this includes sparklers.
Most HOA communities here and some of the hotels on the Grand Strand do not allow fireworks. It only takes one spark for your entire spooky work of art to go up in flames.
2. Can Fake Spiderwebs do Damage to My Home?
Decorating for Halloween with fake spiderwebs is both a timeless and popular decoration. But are they really harmless to your home?
Be careful with fake spiderwebs. Some people like to drape them over furniture and doorways, but if they’re not removed carefully, they can tear paint or fabric.
Did you know that they can do other damage to your home too? Fake spiderwebs are made of plastic or nylon and can quickly become entangled in ceiling fans, light fixtures, and other items around your home. If you’re not careful, they can also create a fire hazard.
Here are five tips to keep in mind when decorating your home with fake spiderwebs:
- Keep fake spiderwebs away from heat sources.
2. Avoid hanging them near any sharp objects that could tear them.
3. Be careful not to entangle them in ceiling fans or other items.
4. Inspect them regularly for damage, and discard any damaged ones.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
Following these tips, you can safely enjoy your Halloween spiderwebs without damaging your home or putting yourself at risk.
3. Theft: The Perfect Haloween Crime for Vacation Homes
Fall Myrtle Beach is beautiful. The tourists go home, the locals enjoy gorgeous weather and beach walks, and it is when you “fall” in love with our beach life.
There are many fall festivals during October, with plenty of events for people of all ages and stages. Halloween is supposed to be fun, right? But did you know it’s also a time when many homeowners experience increased theft?
Halloween is one of the most popular days for thieves to strike.
There are a few reasons why thieves target homes more during the Halloween season.
- First and foremost, the Grand Strand is a well-known spot for second homeowners that do not live here year-round. So a vacant home is an easy target to break into on any given day, but when adding the help of the distraction of activities, it is much easier.
- Have someone ensure that your home is well-lit and that all the doors and windows are locked. Do not store valuable items in plain sight. If you must, keep them in a locked area or safe.
- Too many decorations can obstruct an extensive view of significant areas of your home and be an easy target. Haunted houses that are not monitored are also a way for someone to sneak into your home. More action and partying can signal thieves that a home is ripe for the picking.
If you plan to decorate your myrtle beach home for Halloween this year, take extra precautions to deter thieves. Always keep all doors and windows locked, and don’t advertise your absence on social media if you are out of town. It is also a good idea if you are going out of town to let neighbors know to watch out for your home.
These tips will deter potential burglars and help you see potential hazards while remaining cautious.
Halloween is a fun time for families and friends, but it’s important to be aware of the increased risks of the holiday. There are plenty of hazards to be mindful of, from fires to theft. Be sure to take precautions and have a safe and Happy Halloween!
Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty in Myrtle Beach can help homeowners in the area if your home is damaged. We wish all our family and friends a safe and Happy Halloween. BOO!