With Guy Fawkes Night just around the corner, hordes of revellers up and down the country will be heading out to their nearest bonfire display to watch technicolour flashes light up the night sky as fireworks fizz, boom and bang in the air.
Given that there’s sparklers, sweet treats and the spectacle of pyrotechnics to marvel at, it’s easy to see how we can get swept up in having fun rather than worrying about the security of our homes.
However, there’s much more to remember on the 5th of November than tales of gunpowder, treason and plot – especially as it’s a prime time for opportunistic burglars to attempt to break into homes.
Here, we share some illuminating advice to help gear you and your home up for Guy Fawkes Night, so that your Bonfire Night goes off with a bang and not a whimper.
Lock up your doors and windows
Grabbing hats and scarves to get the kids organised can be hectic, but it’s important that you don’t forget to carry out some basic home security checks before rushing out the door to the fireworks display. Take some time to ensure that all windows and doors are securely fastened and locked to prevent easy access by unauthorised visitors.
Make it look like someone’s at home
An easy way to prevent opportunistic criminals taking an interest in your home when you’re out could be by making it look like someone’s in. Why not try keeping a few lights on or leaving the radio or TV on as a deterrent? If you’re worried about racking up expensive electricity bills, consider investing in timers so that you can turn appliances on and off as you please.
Keep your car safe
With malicious damage claims rising significantly around Bonfire Night, it could be a good idea to store your car securely in your garage or somewhere safe at your home if you’re heading to the fireworks on foot. Similarly, if you’re heading out to the illuminations in your car, be mindful of where you park and choose an area that’s well-lit and safe.
Protect your pets
Bonfire Night can be a particularly stressful time for your pets. Thankfully, there’s easy steps you can implement to help keep them calm.
If you have a dog, try to walk them during the day to avoid them by spooked by fireworks set off in the evening. When it comes to heading out, leave the TV on to distract them from the noises outside and close all windows and curtains to help them settle down.
Keep cats indoors at night and create hiding places in your home where they can go to feel safe. For outdoor pets such as rabbits, consider bringing them indoors and cover any cages with blankets to dampen noises from outside.
Keep your wits about you
Once you’ve got your home security locked down, it doesn’t mean you should let your guard down – but it’s easy to get distracted if you’re out enjoying a fireworks display. Thieves can often take advantage of the busy crowds, so remain alert and keep any valuables, whether it’s your phone or your car keys, out of sight in your pockets and secure bags.
Bonfire DIY
Holding your own fireworks display to wow your friends and family? Always read the instructions on fireworks before setting them off and be sure to handle them with extreme care. And to make sure that you’re not breaking any rules, look at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' guidelines on the dos and dos of bonfire etiquette before lighting up. If you’re holding a party at home, try not have music on too loud or put up signs that ask visitors to come around the back as this could potentially make your home an easy target for burglars.
Don’t let the home-security issues put on a dampener your Bonfire Night buzz. Keep the above tips in mind to help strengthen your home security so you have more time to enjoy the fun of the fireworks and can focus on making it a Guy Fawkes Night you’ll never forget.
