How to Prank-Proof Your House for Halloween

Be a good neighbor this Halloween—even better, be one every day of the year! Vandals will be less likely to target your home if they know and like you.  Here is how to prank-proof your house for Halloween.Keep on the Porch Lights On Halloween, keep the exterior and porch lights on all evening. Vandals will be less likely to take action if passersby and neighbors easily can spot them.Put in Motion Sensor LightingThink about installing outside lights that have motion sensors that turn the lights on as individuals walk around the property. It’ll lead the path for honest trick-or-treaters, all while discouraging potential pranksters.Park the Car inside the GarageUpon Mischief Night, parked vehicles become a simple target for pranksters. Keep your car from being spray painted or egged by putting it inside your garage. If you do not have a garage, think about moving the car to your neighbor’s.Tape Your Mail Slot upA mail slot will be convenient for you—as well as for punks who are wielding smoke bombs. Tape this weak link up in the home’s defense to keep from receiving any undesired "mail" on the night of Halloween.Sit Outside While Trick-or-TreatingMake your presence well-known on the night of All Hallows' Eve. Rather than waiting inside for those trick-or-treaters, become proactive and greet them on your porch. Sit prepared with a smile and a bowl of candy, so everyone knows their moves are being watched.Bring Lawn Equipment and Toys in Bring all lawn equipment and loose toys in before the night of Halloween. The precaution will prevent vandalism and theft, and also, it’ll keep objects from being trip hazards while trick-or-treating.Pretend You Aren’t HomeDo not want to be involved in Halloween this year? Shut the curtains and turn your exterior and interior lights off. If you pretend you aren’t home, trick-or-treaters are going to pass you up. However, remember that a calm home might appeal to vandals.Remove Your Mailbox TemporarilyIf mailboxes inside the neighborhood usually become bashed with baseball bats or stuffed with rotten eggs on Halloween, think about taking yours inside that night. In doing so, you will avoid needing to replace or clean the mailbox on November 1st.Utilize Flameless CandlesA jack-o'-lantern easily can be kicked over, either on purpose or by accident. Minimize a fire risk by using flameless candles rather than that real deal wax variety.