Home Security Tips for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is going to be here before you know it. Unfortunately, times have been tough and a lot of neighborhoods have already seen an uptick in general crime and break-ins. The holiday season brings with it a lot of new opportunity, but taking a few simple measures will help to secure your home and your belongings.
Holiday Lights and Timers
Put exterior holiday lights on a timer so that they will come on when it gets dark, whether you are home or not. You should also put at least a couple of your interior lights on timers as well, so that it appears as though there is someone in your home in the early but sometimes dark evening hours.
Valuables and Gifts
While a lot of people like to put their trees on display in front of large picture windows or near doors, it is better to leave your gifts and valuables out of view – especially from the street. Keep your wrapped gifts secure in another room or closet, away from publicly visible windows and doors.
General Home Security
Check all of your doors and windows to make sure they are in proper working order and locking correctly. Make sure you are actually locking your windows and doors when you leave the house. Never, ever store a spare key outside – especially in planters, under welcome mats, or in fake rocks and items designed for keys.
You may want to consider having a formal, monitored security system installed – not just for the holidays but for the year in general. If you do, make sure you contact your Tom Needham Insurance agent to talk about homeowners insurance discounts you may be eligible for.
After the Holidays
Make sure you aren’t advertising the gifts you received with your garbage. Break down boxes, turn them inside out, or simply place them in the trash if you can’t recycle them. Leaving large boxes with labels outside for pickup will only show everyone outside what new stuff you have inside.
Traveling for the Holidays
Traveling? Don’t talk about it on social media until you return. Make sure those timers we talked about are in place, and ask a trusted family member or neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers. All of these things will make your home look occupied.
We know it’s a little early but it’s really not that early. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, followed by some serious holiday shopping. Be safe and alert and enjoy the season!