The holiday season brings excitement, family gatherings, and travel plans. However, this festive time can also bring heightened risks for home security. With many people spending extended periods away from home, houses are left vulnerable to break-ins, while the influx of packages and deliveries provides additional opportunities for theft.
To help ensure your peace of mind, here are essential tips for securing your home during the busy holiday season, covering everything from enhancing security systems to creating the illusion of occupancy.
1. Upgrade Your Home Security System
If you’ve been considering upgrading your home security, the holiday season is an excellent time to do it. Today’s home security systems come with advanced technology that deters burglars and keeps you connected to your home when you’re away.
- Install Surveillance Cameras: Place cameras around entry points and near the driveway. Many modern cameras provide live streaming, motion detection, and alerts, so you’ll receive notifications of any unusual activity.
- Consider a Smart Security System: Systems like Ring, ADT, or Vivint offer smart home security with door sensors, window sensors, and motion detectors. With an app, you can monitor and control most newer systems remotely.
- Add Video Doorbells: A video doorbell allows you to see and speak to visitors, even when you’re not home, helping you keep tabs on package deliveries and deter potential porch pirates.
2. Make Your Home Look Occupied
An empty home is an invitation to burglars, but with a few clever tricks, you can create an environment where it looks like someone is home, even if you’re halfway across the world (remember Kevin McAllister did it as a child!).
- Set Up Light Timers: Program lights to turn on and off at specific times, mimicking your regular routine. You can use smart plugs or timers to control lights, televisions, or even radios to create activity sounds.
- Automate Window Treatments: Smart blinds and curtains that open and close on a schedule can give the impression of someone being home, especially when used with light timers.
- Ask a Neighbor for Help: Have a trusted neighbor park in your driveway, take out the trash, or even move some outdoor decorations to create a lived-in appearance.
3. Secure Doors, Windows, and Garages
Physical security remains a crucial aspect of home safety. Before heading out for the holidays, double-check that all access points are secured.
- Use Strong Deadbolts: Make sure all doors have strong deadbolt locks. Consider adding door reinforcement hardware or a smart lock system for added security.
- Check Window Locks: Windows are common entry points for intruders. Secure all windows with locks and consider adding security rods in the door jam for an extra layer of security.
- Garage Security: Garages are often overlooked but can be an easy target. Make sure your garage door is closed and locked. Consider disabling the automatic opener or adding a physical lock when you’re away.
4. Manage Holiday Deliveries
The holiday season means more deliveries, which can be a double-edged sword. While convenient, visible packages on your porch can attract thieves.
- Use Delivery Lockers: Many delivery services offer lockers where packages can be delivered securely. Amazon Locker, for example, provides a secure way to pick up packages at your convenience.
- Set Up Package Alerts: Many carriers provide tracking and delivery alerts, so you’ll know exactly when a package arrives. Some security systems, like Ring or Nest, allow you to monitor and communicate with delivery people.
- Ask a Neighbor to Collect Packages: If you’ll be away for an extended time, ask a neighbor or friend to pick up packages and keep them safe until you return.
5. Beware of Social Media Posting
Sharing holiday plans on social media can inadvertently put your home at risk. Broadcasting your location lets people know your home is empty, making it a target for break-ins.
- Delay Posting Until You’re Back: Wait until you return from your trip to post vacation photos and updates. This keeps your travel plans private from anyone who might misuse the information.
- Review Privacy Settings: Make sure your social media accounts are set to private, and avoid sharing your location in real time.
6. Take Extra Precautions for Extended Trips
If you’re traveling for more than a week, consider taking additional steps to maintain your home’s security. The longer your home is empty, the more vulnerable it becomes to break-ins or other issues.
- Pause Mail and Newspaper Delivery: An overflowing mailbox or a pile of newspapers signals that no one is home. Put a hold on mail and newspaper deliveries to keep things tidy.
- Arrange for Snow Removal or Lawn Care: Depending on the season, unattended snow or unkempt lawns can hint at your absence. Hire a service or ask a neighbor to maintain your property.
- Unplug Appliances: Unplug unnecessary electronics to prevent electrical fires and reduce energy consumption while you’re away.
7. Protect Holiday Gifts Inside Your Home
During the holidays, homes often contain more valuables than usual, making them tempting for burglars. Take steps to ensure that your gifts are out of sight and safe.
- Store Gifts Out of View: Avoid placing gifts near windows or areas visible from the outside. Store them in a closet or another secure area until you’re ready to give them.
- Install an Interior Security System: Motion detectors, interior cameras, and window sensors can alert you to movement inside the home, ensuring that any unauthorized access is detected.
- Consider a Safe: For high-value items, consider investing in a safe. This can protect valuable gifts and documents, even in the event of a break-in.
8. Alert Your Security Company
If you have a monitored home security system, inform the company of your travel plans. This way, they know to respond quickly if any alerts are triggered.
- Update Contact Information: Make sure your contact information is current and provide an emergency contact, such as a neighbor, in case you’re unreachable.
- Test Your System: Before leaving, test your security system to ensure everything functions properly. Most companies can assist with remote testing.
- Enable All Security Features: Make sure all monitoring, cameras, and sensors are activated. Double-check that motion sensors, cameras, and other features are working correctly.
9. Use Outdoor Lighting to Deter Burglars
Exterior lighting is one of the simplest ways to enhance your home’s security. Homes that are well lit are less likely to be targeted because they leave fewer hiding spots for burglars.
- Install Motion-Sensor Lights: Place these lights around entry points and dark areas around the yard to illuminate anyone approaching the home.
- Add Pathway Lights: Light up pathways to the door and backyard to give the appearance that someone is home.
- Use Smart Lighting for Automation: Connect outdoor lights to a smart home system and control them remotely or schedule them to turn on at dusk and off at dawn.
Stay Safe This Holiday
The holidays are a time for celebration, not stress. By following these nine steps, you can help secure your home and rest easy, knowing it is safe while you’re away enjoying the season. A few proactive steps can go a long way, from upgrading security systems and monitoring deliveries to taking extra precautions with lighting and social media.
Happy Holidays!
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