The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It’s when families gather, lights twinkle, and the spirit of the season fills the air. However, amidst the festivities, it’s crucial to remember that home security concerns tend to rise. With so many opportunities for travel and distraction, it’s easy for safety to slip down the priority list. Here are some essential tips to keep your home safe and secure throughout the holiday season.
Tips for Securing Your Home
Securing your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are some ways you can keep your home safe and secure:
Use smart home technology: The rise of smart home technology has transformed how we approach security. With devices like smart locks, cameras, and alarm systems, keeping your home safe has never been easier. Smart locks allow you to control access from anywhere, ensuring that only trusted individuals enter your home. Meanwhile, smart cameras provide real-time surveillance, alerting you to any unusual activity even when miles away. Many smart home technologies offer automation features, such as scheduling lights to turn on or off at certain times, giving the impression that someone is always home.
Secure entry points: The doors and windows are critical access points. Ensure all locks are in good working order and consider upgrading to deadbolts or smart locks. Reinforce sliding doors with a metal rod or dowel and check windows for vulnerabilities. For added peace of mind, use window sensors to alert you if a window is opened unexpectedly. You might also install motion-sensor lights around your property’s perimeter, deterring potential intruders.
Safety measures for holiday decorations: Decorating your home for the holidays is a cherished tradition but comes with some risks. Start by selecting decorations that are labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Regularly inspect your lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs, replacing any damaged components. Finally, make sure decorations are securely fastened. Use hooks and clips designed for holiday displays to prevent pieces from falling or being blown away.
Safely receive packages: To protect your deliveries consider alternative options such as smart lockers or secure delivery boxes. Some couriers also offer delivery alerts or allow you to specify a delivery window, ensuring your packages aren’t left unattended for long. Alternatively, consider sending deliveries to your workplace or a friend or family member who will be home to accept them. For high-value items, requiring a signature upon delivery adds an extra layer of security.
Safety While Traveling
Here are some tips for keeping your home safe when your holiday plans take you away from home.
Make your home look lived-in: A vacant home is an open invitation to burglars. If you’re planning a trip, make your home look occupied. Use timers on lights or invest in smart bulbs that can be scheduled to turn on and off at different times. Have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and packages since an overflowing mailbox is a sure sign no one is home. If possible, arrange for someone to shovel snow or mow the lawn, maintaining the exterior of your home to appear as if life continues as usual.
Watch what you post online: Social media can inadvertently inform potential intruders of your absence. Refrain from posting travel plans or sharing holiday photos in real-time. Instead, save those updates for when you return to avoid compromising your home’s security.
Notify neighbors or authorities: Having a network of vigilant neighbors is invaluable. Inform them of your travel plans so they can watch for any unusual activity. Provide your contact information or the contact details of someone nearby in case of emergencies. For extended trips, consider informing local police or community watch programs about your absence. Many areas offer vacation checks as part of their services, adding an extra layer of security.
Enhanced Safety Measures
Here are some additional steps you can take to keep your home safe all year long:
Install a home security system: Investing in a home security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your property. Modern systems offer a range of features, from motion detectors to remote monitoring. Look for systems that include professional monitoring services, so you have support if an alarm is triggered. A visible security system acts as a deterrent, significantly reducing the likelihood of a break-in.
Importance of lighting and landscaping: Proper lighting and strategic landscaping can deter potential burglars. Ensure your home’s exterior is well-lit with motion-activated lights. Illuminate pathways, entrances, and areas near windows. Trim back bushes and trees that could offer cover or access to the upper floors.
The holiday season is a time for enjoyment and celebration, not worry and stress. By taking proactive steps to secure your home, you can focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with loved ones and creating cherished memories. Implementing these tips will significantly enhance your home’s security, providing peace of mind throughout the festive period.
May your holidays be filled with peace, joy, and the comforting knowledge that your home is safe and sound.
Celebrate the Holidays in an S&A Home
S&A Homes is a proud builder of new construction homes and communities throughout Central and South-Central Pennsylvania. We invite you to learn more about our new home opportunities, whether building on your lot or buying a home in one of our new home communities. Call S&A Homes at 1-855-SAHome1 or contact us online to learn more about our available inventory and communities.