With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s essential to be extra vigilant about home security. After all, there’s nothing worse than coming home after a holiday weekend or vacation to find that your home has been burglarized. Luckily, you can take plenty of steps to ensure your home is secure this holiday season. Here’s a look at a few of them.
1. Keep Your Home Well-Lit
A well-lit home is uninviting for burglars and other criminals looking for an easy target. Ensure your front porch and backyard are adequately lit so that any suspicious activity can easily be spotted by passersby or you when you return from a trip. You can also install motion-sensitive security lights. These will come on whenever someone gets too close to your house, which can be an effective deterrent against would-be robbers.
When installing lights, make sure you use a timer and set it to turn on around sunset every day. This will keep your home lit throughout the evening and deter any potential intruders. Place lights around all entry points, including windows and side doors. It would be best if you also remembered to turn on your lights when you’re away for any extended period
2. Secure Your Doors and Windows
It’s essential to make sure all exterior doors and windows are locked when you leave your house for the holidays. If possible, install security bars on the windows and reinforce door locks. These can go a long way in preventing break-ins. Additionally, consider investing in a smart lock system that will allow you to remotely control who has access to your house while you’re away.
And don’t forget your garage. Burglars don’t always go straight for the front door – if you have an attached garage, make sure it’s securely locked, too. Consider upgrading your garage door to a more durable commercial garage door. These industrial doors are much more challenging to break into and can provide an added level of security for your home. Just make sure you remember to lock it whenever you leave the house.
3. Invest In a Home Security System
Installing a security system is one of the best ways to protect your home during the holidays (and all year round). There are plenty of systems available at varying price points, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one that fits within your budget. Having a security system installed not only deters potential robbers but also gives you peace of mind knowing that if something happens while you’re away, help will be sent immediately.
You can find various home security systems, including motion detectors, cameras, and even automated alerts sent to your phone or email. Also, remember to have a sign or sticker visible to let potential robbers know that a security system protects your home. These might not be 100% effective, but they can be enough to make burglars think twice before attempting a break-in.
4. Ask a Neighbor or Friend to Check In
If you’re going away for the holidays, it can be helpful to ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to check in on your house once in a while. This can be as simple as driving by every few days and ensuring everything looks secure. They can also pick up any mail that may have come in so it doesn’t pile up and make your house look unoccupied.
Having someone on call can also be helpful in case of an emergency. This could be something as small as a broken window or as severe as a break-in attempt. Having someone nearby who can respond quickly and call the authorities if necessary can be invaluable in keeping your home safe. They can also water your plants, feed any pets, and do other small tasks that can help ensure everything is in order while you’re away.
5. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
It’s always a good idea to keep valuables out of sight even when you’re home, but it’s especially important when you’re away. Take the time to put away any electronics and other valuable items before leaving for the holidays. This will not only keep them safe from potential burglars but also make your home appear less inviting to any would-be robbers.
You may even want to consider storing your valuables in a safety deposit box at the bank if you leave for an extended time. This will help to ensure that your most valuable items are kept secure and out of reach from potential burglars. Try to have a plan in place for where you’ll store your valuables before leaving home.
The holidays don’t have to be stressful when securing your home! By following these simple tips—keeping your home well-lit, reinforcing door and window locks, and investing in a security system—you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your family and belongings are safe even when you’re away from home this holiday season! With a little extra effort and precaution, you can rest easy knowing that your home is secure from potential burglars.
