The holiday season is filled with joy, celebrations, and often, travel. But while you're busy with family gatherings or enjoying a well-deserved vacation, your home can become a target for burglars. Here are some essential tips to keep your home safe during the holiday season.
Secure Doors and Windows
It may sound simple, but the first step to protecting your home is ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked. Double-check entry points, including less obvious places like basement windows or back doors. Consider upgrading to stronger deadbolts or installing smart locks that allow remote monitoring from your phone.
Install or Check Your Home Security System
A security system with cameras, motion detectors, and doorbell cameras is one of the best ways to protect your home. If you already have a system, ensure it’s functioning properly before you leave. Set up notifications so you're alerted to any unusual activity.
Outdoor Lighting
Thieves target poorly lit homes. Installing motion-activated lights around entry points can deter break-ins. Consider solar-powered lights to illuminate pathways, driveways, and dark areas around your home. Not only is this a great environmental option, but installing solar-powered lights saves you the trouble of wiring during installation.
Use Timers for Indoor Lights
Making your home appear occupied, even when you're away, is a great way to discourage burglars. Use timers to turn lights, radios, or TVs on and off at different times to mimic regular household activity. Some smart home systems even allow you to control lights and electronics remotely from your phone, giving you more control over the appearance of an active household.
Avoid Advertising Your Absence
Be cautious about posting your travel plans on social media. Wait until after your trip to share updates. Additionally, avoid leaving packages on your doorstep for extended periods. If you're expecting deliveries while you're away, ask a neighbor to collect them or use a package holding service.
Invest in Smart Home Devices
Smart home technology allows you to monitor your home from anywhere. Smart cameras, doorbells, and window sensors send real-time alerts to your phone if they detect unusual activity. Smart locks and garage door openers let you check the status of your doors remotely and even lock or unlock them with a tap.
Let a Trusted Neighbor Know
Letting a trusted neighbor know you’ll be away adds an extra layer of security. Ask them to keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious activity. If you’re comfortable, you might even give them a spare key to check on the house or water plants. Having someone visibly care for your property can deter potential intruders.
By taking the time to implement these security measures, you can enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind. Whether you're staying home or heading out of town, these strategies will help ensure your property remains safe. If you need help choosing security systems or other smart devices, feel free to reach out. We're here to help make sure your home is secure no matter the season.