What are the main home safety risks during autumn?

The main autumn home safety risks include fire hazards from candles and fireworks, electrical overloads from decorations, and increased burglary rates due to darker nights.

How can I protect my home from burglary in autumn?

Install motion-sensor lights, use indoor light timers, lock all doors and windows, and consider joining a neighbourhood watch to deter burglars.

Does home insurance cover fire and accidental damage from Halloween or Bonfire Night?

Many home insurance policies cover fire and accidental damage, but it's important to check if your policy includes accidental damage and to update your cover before seasonal events.

Should I update my home insurance policy for autumn?

Yes. Reviewing your home insurance in autumn ensures coverage for seasonal risks like fire, theft, and accidental damage during events like Halloween and Bonfire Night.

What steps can I take to reduce fire risks during Halloween and Bonfire Night?

Use LED candles in pumpkins, keep fireworks at a safe distance, never leave heaters unattended, and ensure smoke alarms are tested and working properly.

Spooky Season Stats: Home Safety Facts for Autumn Nights

As the clocks go back and autumn deepens, the longer, darker evenings bring a certain charm... and a few hidden hazards. While Halloween costumes and Bonfire Night fireworks add to the season's festivities, they also introduce risks that can affect your home and safety.

Fire Hazards: Pumpkins, Fireworks & More
Accidental Fires: A Silent Threat
Darker Nights, Higher Risks
Insurance Considerations: Are You Covered?
Need help with your home insurance?

Fire Hazards: Pumpkins, Fireworks & More

Halloween and Bonfire Night are synonymous with fire risks. Carved pumpkins with candles, fireworks, bonfires and even discarded sparklers can lead to unintended fires.

Pumpkin Candles: Traditional candles in pumpkins can ignite nearby decorations or dry foliage. Opt for battery-operated LED lights to reduce this risk.

Fireworks: In 2023, over 2,000 emergency calls were made to the London Fire Brigade during Diwali, Halloween, and Fireworks Night—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.

Firework-Related Injuries: On Bonfire Night, Fire Scotland reported that more than 10 people per day required emergency hospital treatment for fireworks-related injuries.

How to mitigate the risk: Ensure that fireworks are handled by professionals, maintain a safe distance from structures, and keep flammable materials away from ignition sources.

Accidental Fires: A Silent Threat

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

Electrical Overloads: With increased use of lights and decorations, ensure that circuits are not overloaded. Use outdoor-rated extension cords and avoid daisy-chaining multiple cords.
Heating Devices: Portable heaters should be kept away from flammable materials like curtains and bedding. Never leave them unattended.
Smoke Alarms: Test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. A working smoke alarm can be a lifesaver.

Darker Nights, Higher Risks

As daylight hours shorten, the risk of burglaries increases. Criminals often exploit the cover of darkness to break into homes.

Increased Burglary Rates: Studies find, unsurprisingly, that the risk of certain crimes, including burglary, increases after dark.

Statistics: For the year ending March 2023, there were 191,490 residential home break-ins in England and Wales, with 53% occurring in the evening or at night.

To protect your home:

Security Lighting: Install motion-sensor lights around your property.
Timers: Use timers for indoor lights to give the appearance that someone is home.
Locks: Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, even when you're at home.
Neighbourhood Watch: Join or start a local neighbourhood watch program to stay informed about local crime trends.

Insurance Considerations: Are You Covered?

It's essential to review your home insurance policy to ensure it covers seasonal risks:

Accidental Damage: Check if your policy includes accidental damage cover, especially if you plan to host gatherings or use fireworks.
Theft and Vandalism: Ensure that your policy covers theft and vandalism, particularly during periods of increased risk.
Special Items: If you have valuable decorations or equipment, verify that they are adequately insured.

If you're unsure about your cover, contact your insurance provider to discuss your policy and any necessary adjustments.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Autumn

While the autumn season brings its share of risks, taking proactive steps can help ensure a safe and enjoyable time. By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy the fun without the fright!

Need Help Reviewing Your Home Insurance?

If you have any concerns about your home insurance or need assistance reviewing your policy, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you stay protected.

Updated for the autumn season. For personalised advice, speak to a qualified insurance adviser.

Keep your home safe this autumn