Don't Let The Ghouls Get You - Safety During Halloween
As you approach All Hallows Eve with its many costumed creatures out to trick-or-treat, you also need to remember that not everyone is out for fun and games. There is estimated to be more than 2.5 million home intrusions in the U.S. each year and an estimated 2,500 cars stolen every day. As the means of securing your property gets more sophisticated so do the robbers so you need to ensure that you are abreast with the ways to help protect you and your family from loss and danger.
So as you go out to collect your candies and share in the fantasy of the Halloween season, here are some practical ways to help protect your property.
Hiding the transponder and key fobs
Technology has provided a way in which to ensure that your car can be opened even before you get to it with the use of transponder keys and key fobs from about 30 centimeters away. However that same technology is being used to get your cars open by magnifying the car's ability to detect the transponder or key fob up to 100 centimeters away. This means that while you are out trick-or-treating someone could be getting into or away with your car. Since everyone is likely to be dressed in costume it might be more difficult to detect who is legitimately supposed to be where.
A simple way to hide your transponder or key fob from detection until you are ready is to simply wrap it in foil paper if you are out or store it into the microwave in your kitchen if you are home. The metal used in these methods can be used to block the amplifier. The same is true for your transponder keys that can be used to open your gates, garage doors or other key less systems. Check out links like http://www.alocksmithriverside.com for more information on your transponder keys.
Plan ahead
If you need to be going to a different neighborhood when you take the kids out then ensure that you know about the safe places to park while you are there. Halloween is a good time to get your car defaced especially if it is parked in a secluded or dark spot. Make sure that the car is locked securely when you leave it to go trick-or-treating and never leave the keys in the car door or ignition. It is estimated that over a 2-year period, from 2012 to 2014, over 126,000 vehicles were stolen with the keys left inside them.
If it is possible to car pool then do so with other parents or adults that you trust to help take care of the children and the car that is used. Having someone to monitor the vehicle will leave it less vulnerable to vandalism or break-ins during the festivities.