Halloween is right around the corner. Although most people look forward to Halloween as a time to dress up in costumes, attend parties and eat candy, others use it as an excuse to be destructive. As this holiday approaches, it’s time to make sure that your company is properly prepared for any incidents that may occur.
Understanding Halloween Risks
Although Halloween night itself can be risky, the night before often presents a bigger problem for businesses. This informal holiday, which is often referred to as “Mischief Night,” “Devil’s Night or “Goosey Night,” usually take place on October 30 each year. On this night, children and adolescents everywhere spend the evening playing pranks, many of which are childish and harmless. Common examples of pranks played on this night include Ding-Dong-Ditch, toilet papering of houses or cars, smashing pumpkins, powder bombing and “forking” of yards.
Unfortunately, some children may engage in more destructive behavior on October 30. For example, they may spray paint windows, pelt buildings or cars with eggs, break things, set off fireworks and more. If your building, equipment, vehicles or other property becomes a target on this night, sufficient damage may result. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to clean, repair or replace your damaged property after this night ends.
Even after Mischief Night has ended, Halloween often brings additional problems. When children and teens decide to participate in vandalism on Halloween night, the resulting in destruction.
Preventing Vandalism
To reduce the chances of significant vandalism on Mischief Night and Halloween:
- Lock up – If your business closes down at night, make sure all of your doors and gates are securely locked. Although this is important on every night of the year, it is even more important close to Halloween. If you ask employees to lock up for you, be sure that you assign the task to your most trusted personnel.
- Use Lighting – Keep the exterior of your buildings well-lit to discourage children and teens from vandalizing your property.
- Invest in a Security System – If you don’t already have a security system, consider installing one so that you will be made aware of any attempted break-ins.
- Assign a Lookout or Guard – If you have the resources, consider having an employee remain on the premises overnight to watch for signs of vandalism. Alternatively, you may also hire a security guard for the evening.
- Move Vehicles Inside – If possible, move vehicles and other equipment into a garage, building or another safe location where they cannot be accessed by vandals.
Protecting Your Company
Neighborhood watches, police and concerned citizens do what they can to prevent significant vandalism on mischief night, as well as on Halloween. However, even with the best preventative measures, some vandalism is sure to occur during this holiday. Rather than leaving the future of your business to chance, it is important to make sure that you have adequate insurance protection before the mischief begins.
Without an insurance policy that protects against vandalism, you will be forced to pay for any necessary cleanup, repairs or replacements on your own. Depending on the severity of the vandalism, these expenses may add up quickly. With the right insurance policy, however, you will be able to file a claim with your provider and get the benefits you need to cover the expenses and deal with the damage as quickly as possible.
Before Mischief Night arrives, take a few minutes to review your insurance coverage. If your coverage is lacking, or if you aren’t sure whether you have sufficient protection, contact Marine Agency Insurance today.