October Home Safety Tips: Avoid Insurance Claims This Fall

Fall festivities are fun—until they lead to a costly insurance claim.

With cooler weather and the excitement of Halloween, October is a time when many homeowners decorate, entertain, and spend more time indoors. It’s also a season when insurance claims—especially for fire, injury, and property damage—tend to rise.

Whether you’re carving pumpkins, hosting friends, or putting up decorations, a few smart precautions can help you enjoy the season without surprises. Here’s how to reduce risk and keep your home protected this fall.

Watch for Seasonal Fire Risks

Candles, space heaters, and decorative lighting are all more common this time of year—and they’re also common causes of house fires. If you’re lighting candles, keep them away from curtains, decorations, and walkways. Better yet, consider switching to flameless LED candles, especially if you have pets or kids.

Before turning on the heat for the season, have your furnace or fireplace checked by a professional. Routine maintenance helps reduce the risk of fire and may improve your energy efficiency as well.

Make Sure Visitors Can Move Safely

Fall leaves may look great in your yard, but they can become slippery hazards when wet. If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters or guests, clear walkways of leaves, decorations, and cords. Test your outdoor lighting and replace any bulbs that are burned out.

These small actions reduce the chance of a slip-and-fall incident on your property—something your home insurance may cover, but no one wants to experience.

Keep Decorations Secure

If you decorate your yard for Halloween or fall, make sure anything large or inflatable is secured properly. Strong winds or storms can send decorations flying, potentially damaging your property or someone else’s.

Also consider whether your decorations could block a walkway or pose a tripping hazard. Liability claims related to injuries from decorations are more common than you might think, especially around Halloween.

Does Your Policy Cover Seasonal Risks?

This is a good time of year to review your homeowners insurance. Some questions to ask your agent include:

• Does my policy cover injuries to guests on my property?
• Am I protected if decorations cause damage or are stolen?
• If I host a Halloween party, do I need extra liability coverage?

Even if nothing major has changed, checking in with your agent each fall is a smart habit to maintain the right level of protection.

Need Help Before the Holidays Begin?

Your local independent insurance agent can help you understand your policy and make sure you’re covered for seasonal risks—whether it’s fall maintenance, decorations, or having more people around your home.

Have questions? Reach out today so you can enjoy October with confidence and peace of mind.