The “ber” months are here, which means the endless gatherings and celebrations are right around the corner. Although the holiday season is yours to enjoy, it is crucial to be safe, especially with all that has happened this past couple of years.
To help you out this Christmas season, here are some tips to keep your home secure while you and your family spend a stress-free and memorable vacation.
Don’t post your travel plans online.
If you’re planning to travel throughout the holiday, keep your itinerary off your social media networks. Don’t post photos that would give away crucial details of your travel plans. These include your tickets, your hotel number, and even your passports. People do share things that make them happy on social media, but for your safety, never publish where you’re going, when you’re leaving, or when you’ll be back.
It is prime information for an intruder because they’ll understand when your residence will certainly be available. Even if you have private accounts and you feel like you are safe and secured on your Facebook, uploading and sharing such information is not wise.
Ask your neighbor to keep an eye on your house.
If you decide to head out of this holiday, be sure to tell someone who lives in the same building or neighborhood. Alert your trusted next-door neighbor, and ask them to report any suspicious activity that might occur.
Moreover, it would be best to ensure that the snow wouldn’t pile up on your driveway. You can book and schedule a snow removal service while you’re gone. Also, don’t forget to stop any good distribution while you’re gone. Tell your mailman, your milkman, and even kids that sell products to you to stop by. You should also tell your trusted neighbor to contact you if someone drops by to avoid any suspicions.
Secure your house as well.
In today’s modern world, you now have the option to install online security systems in your house. There are even home security surveillance services that could help you out. However, if there is none, you could install CCTVs and smart locks to notify you if there is a forced entry into your home.
An additional method to make it less obvious that nobody’s home or no one is watching the house is by doing what Kevin in Home Alone did. Make it seem that there are people inside. With sensor lights and remote access to your home music, and even television, you could make it appear that you are in your house. No one will try to rob your house if they feel like there are some people inside.
Be careful of your Christmas lights and decorations.
Fire risks and accidents spike throughout the Christmas holidays. So, before you string up lights around your house or your fence, be sure to examine the strands for frayed and broken cords or broken bulbs. To prevent unfortunate cases of fire alarms, replace the busted Christmas lights with new ones, or better yet, you could use LED lights. LED lights are safer, more cost-effective, and, lastly, even cooler!
Additionally, do not forget to turn all your appliances off when you leave. Don’t forget your home heating system too, or better yet, turn off your electrical breaker for safety. It wouldn’t hurt to give a spare key to your trusted neighbor, too. It allows them to have access inside your home, in any chance that you have forgotten to unplug something.
Don’t forget about any heating equipment, as they cause fire accidents more than other appliances. There is also your fireplace that could burn the house down when neglected. These types of negligence could affect the family holidays from a happy and memorable time of the year to an unfortunate and heartbreaking one.
Final Thoughts
Christmas can be the most terrific time of the year, as long as you ensure that you are safe from any harm and that your house is well-secured from threats.
Even during these trying times, no one can stop you from celebrating Christmas, whether out of town or at home. However, it is your responsibility to keep your property safe. Do not put others’ lives in danger, either. While the pandemic is still here, it is safe to hold your celebrations at home and with the vaccinated members of your family. However, if you want to live a little this December, it is best to get tested for COVID-19 first so that you can relax, unwind, and fully enjoy the season of giving.
