Countdown to the Holiday Season: Preparing Your Home

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

It’s hard to believe it’s almost December.  The pumpkin spiced lattes, UGG’s, sweater weather, comfort food and many more fall things we <3 are all back and we love it. Soon enough Thanksgiving will be a memory and Christmas will be upon us.
The holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of the year and we all love to indulge a bit and that may include traveling.  But, the holidays are also a busy season of burglaries. November and December are known to have nearly 400,000 burglaries according to the FBI.  Apparently holiday travel + presents under the tree = a burglar’s dream come true. So if you’re planning to take a trip this season be sure to try and be proactive and give the following some thought to keep your home safe.

1. Do Not Tell the Internet

We over-share everything. Social media trains you to do this. Posting pictures at this time on this date with this person. It’s habit for some people. But we should all take note this year and try to hold off.  Or if you want maybe just switch off location services on social apps and sites and hold off on posting your vacation pics until you’re back at home. If you simply can’t wait until you’re back to share, adjust your social media settings so only your close friends and family can see your updates.

2. Post a Sign

Another easy way to keep burglars away from your home is to post security and surveillance signage around your house. About 60% of burglars indicated that the presence of a home alarm system would cause them to seek an alternative target altogether. Make your home look like it’s tough to break into and many burglars won’t even try.

3. Use your neighbors

Your neighbors can be a great asset when trying to keep your home safe while you’re gone. If you’re planning a trip, ask neighbors you trust to collect your mail and keep a general eye on things for you.

4. Schedule your lights

Another great way to make it look like someone is home is to put your lights on a schedule. Very simple to have your lights go on with apps on your phone or even on a timer.

5. Keep your gifts to yourself

If you’ve been doing a lot of holiday shopping and have purchased big ticket items, be discrete when you throw away the packaging. Don’t put empty television boxes or Tiffany’s bags on the curb for everyone to see. On that same note, don’t post about all your shiny new toys online – burglars have Facebook too.

6. Security cameras

In this time and day you can do almost anything at any time thanks to technology. One last simple piece of advice is to set up a security camera so you can see a live view of your home.

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