Best Practices for Your Home Security During the Holiday Season
During the holiday season, thieves target unoccupied homes. Follow these five tips to reduce the chances of this happening to you:
1. Have Someone Help Out
While you may be away from your home during the holidays, don’t let your house give away that you’re no longer there. Arrange to have your driveway and walkways shoveled, trash removed, and mail collected while you’re gone. Ask a friend to check in once a day so there will be a car in the driveway. You can also ask a trusted neighbor to park there and keep an eye on your home.
Another option to consider when planning for home security during the holiday season is to put your subscriptions, deliveries, and mail on hold if you can’t find someone to visit your home on a daily basis. Having an overflowing mailbox and a doorway littered with packages is a clear sign that no one is home.
2. Lock Everything Up
While you likely won’t leave home without forgetting to lock your front door, there may be a window or a side door that is left unlocked. When prepping your home security during the holiday season, be sure that you lock all entry points. Inspect your locks to make sure they can’t be broken easily and that there aren’t any extra copies of your keys floating around.
Don’t leave a key in a hiding place outside because many burglars are expecting that and know where to look. Take the extra step in security by opting for smart locks. With keyless entry, you’ll be able to control and monitor your entry points from an app on your phone.
3. Use Light Timers
Another helpful tip for home security during the holidays is to give the impression that someone is at home. One of the best ways to do this is to have your lights on a timer. Having lights and TVs that go on and off will make anyone watching your house think somebody is inside.
Homeowners who want to monitor their lights away from home can connect their timer to smart home technology. With a smart home system, homeowners can turn the lights on and off at whatever time they choose.
4. Install a Security System
Even with all of these preventative measures in place, homeowners still stand to benefit from installing a surveillance system. Monitored systems allow homeowners the greatest sense of security while they’re away from home. With a security system in place, you can rest assured that any alarm set off will be responded to.
Searching for a tech-savvy alternative to a full-blown security system? Consider using cameras to help keep a watchful eye on your home. These small cameras are easy to install and can be monitored through an app on your smartphone.
5. Keep Your Holiday Plans to Yourself
Holiday plans are exciting, but sharing your travel itinerary on the internet is a mistake. If you really want to maintain your home security during the holiday season, think twice before posting about being away from home. While there’s nothing wrong with sharing pictures with friends and family, consider making these posts after you return.
Keep these five home security tips in mind as you prepare to travel this holiday season. Happy holidays from Certinspectors!