The holiday season is a time for family, festivities, and travel. However, with the excitement of shopping, decorating, and hosting guests, many homeowners overlook a crucial aspect of the season: home security. Burglars and opportunistic thieves are more active during this time, taking advantage of homes left unattended or brimming with new, high-value gifts. Protecting your home should be a priority, ensuring your holiday joy isn’t marred by preventable security breaches. Here’s how to improve home security during the holidays and give yourself peace of mind this holiday season.
Secure All Entry Points for Home Security During the Holidays
One of the most basic yet most important steps in home security is securing all entry points. This includes doors, windows, and even less obvious access points like basement entrances and garage doors.
Start by making sure that all doors have sturdy locks, and upgrade to deadbolts if you don’t already have them installed. For added protection, reinforce the door frames and hinges to withstand forced entry. Windows, especially those on the ground level, should have secure latches. Install security film or upgrade to shatter-resistant glass for an extra layer of protection.
Remember to lock the garage door, as it is a frequent target for burglars. A smart garage door opener that alerts you to its status or allows you to close it remotely can be an effective investment during the holiday season.
Be Mindful of Social Media
It’s tempting to share every exciting holiday moment on social media, but doing so compromises your home security. Publicizing your travel plans or showing off expensive gifts makes your home a target for thieves.
If you plan to be away for the holidays, refrain from posting details about your trip until after you return. Sharing photos of your packed car and boarding passes or even tagging your location could signal to criminals that your home is vacant. Adjust your privacy settings so that only trusted friends and family can see your posts, and and wait until you’re back home before sharing your holiday experiences.
Use Smart Home Technology for Home Security During the Holidays
Smart home technology has revolutionized the way homeowners monitor and protect their properties. From doorbell cameras to smart locks, these devices provide added convenience and security during the holidays.
Smart doorbells, equipped with cameras and two-way audio, allow you to see and communicate with anyone who comes to your door, even if you’re not home. If a package is delivered, you can instruct the delivery person to leave it in a secure location, reducing the chances of package theft.
Smart locks give you control over who enters your home. If a friend or neighbor is watching your home while you’re away, you can provide them with temporary access through your phone without needing to hide spare keys. Some systems even allow you to set alerts when someone enters or exits the home, giving you complete control over access.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Many burglars are opportunistic, and if they can see valuables through your windows, it might tempt them to break in. Keep gifts, expensive electronics, and other valuable items out of plain view.
Close blinds or curtains at night, and if possible, avoid placing your Christmas tree near a window where gifts are visible from the outside. Move high-value items to a safer part of the house, such as a locked room or safe, until you’re back home from holiday travels.
Home security should never be neglected during the holidays. By taking a few proactive steps, you’ll reduce the risk of a break-in. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, and with the right precautions, you’ll keep your home safe throughout the season.
FAQs on Home Security During the Holidays
What are the top indicators that a home is at risk of being burglarized during the holidays?
Homes that are dark for extended periods, show signs of uncollected mail or have visible gifts and expensive items through windows are prime targets for burglars. Homes lacking outdoor lighting or security features can be seen as vulnerable.
How can I leverage community resources for home security during the holidays?
Many neighborhoods have community safety programs or neighborhood watch initiatives. Joining these can provide valuable resources and support. Local police departments may also offer home security assessments or tips specifically tailored for the holiday season.
What role does insurance play in home security?
Homeowners’ insurance is crucial as it helps cover losses from theft. For comprehensive protection, you must maintain an up-to-date policy that reflects recent upgrades to your home security system or valuable items added to your home.
Bronze Star Home Inspections offers home inspections to customers in the DFW Metroplex. Contact us to request our services.