How to keep your home safe during the holidays
The holidays aren’t jolly for everyone. Some areas of the country are suffering economic downturns, which are accompanied by an upturn in crime. Unfortunately, with the holidays around the corner, this means lots of opportunities for thieves to make a quick buck. Don’t be a victim, follow these tips!
Lock your doors
It sounds simple but you’d be surprised at how few people actually lock their doors at night. Before you go to bed, double check that your car doors are locked and that your deadbolt is in place. Since it’s wintertime, you shouldn’t need to open your windows. Lock them now and don’t touch them until spring!
Keep some lights on
Keeping the porch light on, or using motion sensors, is a great way to keep your property illuminated. A well-lit area will deter thieves, who work under the cloak of darkness.
Don’t burn your house down
The porch light is one thing, but don’t keep your Christmas lights on 24/7. Aside from being detrimental to your electricity bill, they run the risk of overheating and starting a fire. While not related at all to keeping your house safe from thieves, avoiding fires is still a good home safety tip.
Invest in a security system
Any security system, including a personal security camera, is better than nothing. While the chances are low that the police will catch your thief with a grainy security footage photo, the camera could act as enough of a deterrent to scare away the would-be thief. Security systems with loud alarms are guaranteed to spook a crook and, as a bonus, they could save you money on home insurance.
Be smart about presents
Creating a gift-giving budget is a great way to save money, but you need to continue being sensible even after making your purchases. If you celebrate Christmas and have a huge tree, keep it away from prying eyes. Nothing says “rob me!” more than a stack of large, expensive Christmas gifts visible from the road, thanks to a bright Christmas tree.
Go to a recycling depot
Once Christmas is said and done, don’t throw your packaging away with your trash. Smart thieves pick through garbage and recycling bins to see who got the best gifts at Christmas. Once a thief knows you own a new Apple TV or Playstation 4, your home becomes a target.
Don’t brag about vacations
A helpful tip even outside of the holiday season, don’t tell too many people that you’re headed on vacation. Posting about your soon-to-be empty house on social media is a great way to advertise that…well, your house will be empty. On the other hand, do tell a neighbour or close friend. Having someone available to keep an eye on your home during your vacation will let your relax more easily.
The unfortunate reality of the world is that sometimes people commit robbery and houses burn down. By being smart this holiday season, you can stay safe and have a happy, healthy New Year.