The holiday season is a time to relax and unwind, but it’s also a time when burglars may take advantage of empty homes. Whether you're heading away for a summer getaway or staying local, ensuring your home is secure should be a top priority. Below are practical tips to protect your home, leverage smart technology, and involve your community in safeguarding your property.
1. Secure Your Home Before You Leave
Doors and Windows:
- Reinforce Locks: Ensure all exterior doors have strong, deadbolt locks. Consider adding additional locks to sliding doors.
- Secure Windows: Lock all windows and use security bars for ground-floor windows, if necessary.
Visibility:
- Curtains and Blinds: Leave them partially open to give the appearance that someone is home, but don’t showcase valuables.
- Outdoor Areas: Trim bushes and shrubs around doors and windows to eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders.
Lighting:
- Motion-Activated Lights: Install motion-sensor lights around your property, particularly near entry points.
- Timers for Indoor Lights: Set timers for interior lights to create the illusion of occupancy.
2. Leverage Smart Home Technology
Smart technology can help you monitor and control your home remotely.
- Smart Cameras: Place security cameras at key entry points. Many models allow you to monitor live feeds and receive alerts on your phone.
- Smart Locks: Use digital locks that can be controlled remotely. You can lock or unlock doors via your smartphone.
- Alarm Systems: A modern alarm system with app integration allows you to arm/disarm the system and receive notifications in real time.
- Smart Plugs: Connect appliances like lamps or TVs to smart plugs, so you can switch them on/off remotely to mimic occupancy.
3. Involve Your Community
A trusted community can be a powerful asset in keeping your home safe.
- Let Neighbors Know: Inform a trusted neighbor about your travel plans. Ask them to keep an eye on your property, collect mail, and move bins.
- Neighborhood Watch: If your community has a neighborhood watch group, let them know about your absence.
- Local Authorities: Alert local security patrols if you subscribe to their services. Some companies offer additional checks during holiday periods.
4. Be Mindful Online
Your social media activity can inadvertently signal to burglars that your home is vacant.
- Delay Posts: Share holiday photos after you return.
- Privacy Settings: Review who can see your posts and adjust your privacy settings accordingly.
- Avoid Geotags: Turn off location tagging to prevent people from knowing you’re away.
5. Additional Tips for Holiday Security
- Stop Mail and Deliveries: Put a hold on mail or arrange for a neighbor to collect it. Uncollected packages are a clear sign no one is home.
- Store Valuables Safely: Lock up jewelry, important documents, and other valuables in a secure safe.
- Garage Security: Ensure your garage is locked, as it’s often an easy target. Disconnect automatic openers if you’ll be away for an extended time.
Conclusion
Taking a few precautionary steps can make a significant difference in keeping your home safe during the holidays. By securing your home, leveraging smart technology, and engaging your community, you can enjoy your festive break with peace of mind.
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