Spooky Insurance Tales - BFL CANADA 2024 Halloween
Tales from the Crypt
Spooky yarns from the insurance files
Halloween or All Hallows Eve is fast approaching. It is deeply rooted in festivals dating back to medieval times marking an occasion for celebration, mischief and a belief that ghosts and witches could move between this world and the next.
Today, we know it as a time of tricks and treats, but regrettably some people discover that there can be more tricks than treats. Yes, out there in the dark recesses of the neighbourhood in that crisp, foggy air, ghostly gremlins and eerie hobgoblins could be lurking in the shadows that might cause unexpected problems.
To help you avoid those pitfalls and keep you and your property safe, we’ve put together some of the scariest stories our claims advisors have dealt with at Halloween.
- Bats in the belfry
Most people don’t have a bell tower, but bats are happy to make their home in a variety of places in your home. They are the only mammals that can fly and the second largest order after rodents. Unfortunately, and undeservedly, they have taken on a sinister air in folklore whether in the vein of Count Dracula, or as associates of witches and dwellers of dark musty caves, which makes them a particularly scary symbol of Halloween.
But for some residents in Alberta, the arrival of bats was not a treat, as one of our claims advisors recently discovered. A condo located within Banff National Park (which is regulated by Parks Canada and subject to special guidelines) discovered that they had a bat colony in their belfry, er, their roof where females had gathered to give birth. Because bats are considered a species at risk, the condo had to wait several weeks until early October, for the newborn “pups” to come of age, so that they could be safely relocated.
In this case, specialist contractors had to be used due to a fungal infection that was accidentally introduced to North America, and which can kill the bats and damage delicately balanced eco-systems. In addition, bat droppings can cause sickness in humans. Until it was safe, our assessors couldn’t determine the level of damage and the cost of repairs.
Wildlife such as racoons or birds—or even a gremlin or two—taking up residence in your roof or in other parts of your home or garage, can be a serious problem, especially in those communities that border green spaces and wildlife corridors. That’s why it’s important to take preventative action to keep doors closed and block openings that could become a living space for unwelcome visitors.
- Devilish behaviour and vandalism
In some communities in western Canada, Halloween is associated with fireworks (mostly illegal) and large gatherings and parties that have at times turned to mass disturbances and vandalism. In Vancouver in 2020 for example, the city experienced 38 fires and damage to property including the destruction of a luxury car. Rambunctious Halloween revellers often trick property owners by smashing windows, egging houses and stealing what are becoming increasingly high-value freestanding decorations. One protective measure is to ensure that your property is well lit and that security cameras, if any, are working. And be certain to ensure doors are locked between trick and treaters, as this will keep intruders with criminal intentions away.
- Fire poses a serious risk
Jack-o-lanterns with elaborate carvings and spine-tingling designs are a common sight with many people putting real candles inside them to create that extra ghostly glow. If left unattended, a dried-out pumpkin can easily catch fire, or a spark spread by a gust of wind can spread to surrounding vegetation or a house causing serious damage. They can also present a danger to children (who should have reflective costumes and carry lights) if they are placed along walkways, steps or driveways. We recommend avoiding candles and using battery operated candles.
Many people have inflatable ghouls and ghosts which are connected to extension cords. In some cases, too many of these features are plugged in a series together which can overload systems. Electrical fires are one of the top causes of house fires in Canada. Never use an indoor rated cord outside.
- Trips and falls, and haunted houses
With young trick and treaters—often with their parents in tow—scurrying up to front doors to collect their treats, it’s important that homeowners and building managers keep driveways and walkways clear and remove any obstructions or tripping hazards. A growing number of homeowners are hosting Halloween haunted houses on their property and inside their homes. Although they require darkness to create the appropriate atmosphere, it’s important to ensure that they have adequate lighting and there are no safety hazards. Escape routes and working smoke alarms are crucial, as well as having fire-extinguishers close at hand and knowing how to use them. Trick and treating can be complicated in some parts of the country as snow and ice is often arriving, so application of de-icing agents and snow removal are critical.
- Scary water damage
Of all the hidden horrors that skulk in the nooks and crannies of a condo building or house at Halloween, the possibility of water damage is scarier than the thought of a poltergeist trapped in the television or a zombie attack. Water damage is especially insidious as it can start as a small occurrence and literally cascade into a much a larger problem. In fact, of all the claims we deal with on Halloween, water damage is the most common.
It has been our experience that water damage has a more worldly explanation—rather than a supernatural one—such as a spontaneous sprinkler discharge, a backed-up pipe in a washing machine or eavestroughs that become clogged and overflow in heavy rain. Simple steps such as knowing where the water shut-off is, installation of a leak monitoring system such as our Flowguard system, and regular inspections by plumbers can stop this tale of horror dead in its tracks.
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Halloween needn’t be that menacing if you are well prepared. Using approved electrical devices, ensuring good lighting, avoiding open flames, keeping access points clear and property secure, will mean that you can enjoy the festivities and some good old-fashioned fun. Happy Halloween!
