Stay Safe
During the Holidays: 3 Security Tips for the Season
The holidays are an ideal time to celebrate with family and
friends, but unfortunately, they are also a time when greater numbers of
burglaries and break-ins occur. While we are busy shopping and attending
holiday parties, or out of town visiting with family, our homes are prime
targets for break-ins. The following tips can help you keep your home and its
contents safe this holiday season.
1. Do not neglect basic security measures. Lock your doors and
windows even when you are at home, and if you do not already have deadbolts on
your doors, have them installed. Although most burglars prefer to enter an
unoccupied home to avoid getting caught in the act, a break-in can happen when
you are sleeping. Place your Christmas tree away from any windows, and close
your window coverings at night and when you go out, so would-be thieves do not
have an easy view of tempting gifts and other valuables. Install
motion-activated exterior lights to make your home less attractive to burglars,
since they would rather not be seen. Pull inside your garage before unloading
large purchases from your vehicle, and always keep your garage door closed and
locked.
2. Put today's security technology to good use. If you already
have a security system, test it regularly to ensure that it is working
properly, and then make sure that you set the alarm. If you do not own a home
security system, having one installed before the holidays arrive could help you
prevent a break-in. Thieves are less likely to prey on homes that have alarms
and other security deterrents, because these devices increase the chances that
they will get caught. Video security cameras can offer an additional layer of
protection over the holidays, and if a break-in does happen, they can provide
valuable evidence that can help police identify the responsible party. Check
out www.securitycamerasdirect.com for more info
on video security.
3. Plan any holiday travel with your home security in mind. Call
the post office and have your mail held, and cancel your daily newspaper
delivery to make it less obvious that the house is unoccupied. Never hide a
spare key outdoors in a spot where thieves can find it. Instead, leave it with
a trusted neighbor, make sure they have your alarm code, and ask them to park
their car in your driveway occasionally while you are gone. Set some interior
lights and a television on timers so thieves who are looking for an easy target
will think someone is at home. Resist the urge to share your holiday travel
details or photos on social media while you are away, and do not leave a
greeting on your voice mail that indicates you are out of town.
Taking security precautions now can allow you to enjoy a safer,
worry-free holiday that is filled with only the best the season has to offer.
Resources:
http://news.carlsbadca.gov/news/holiday-home-security-tips-2011
http://senioralertmedical.com/159/holiday-season-home-security-tips
http://www.dailystarjournal.com/online_features/seasonal/article_18c7feb6-d235-54c0-ab6d-80b020cd12a9.html
http://www.technewsdaily.com/16028-8-tips-home-holiday-protection.html
