Have a Safe Holiday Season With a Home Security Checklist

The holiday season might be the most festive time of the year — but it’s also a time when homeowners are more vulnerable to crime. Opportunistic burglars know that most homes are filled with Christmas gifts — especially if they can see them under the tree when glancing through a window. They also understand that many folks travel during the holiday season, making their unoccupied homes more susceptible to break-ins.

Use the following home security checklist to ensure you don’t become another holiday crime statistic:

Keep presents out of sight: While placing gifts under the Christmas tree adds to the holiday spirit, the presents can also attract the attention of burglars. If this isn’t already your custom, wait until just before going to bed on Christmas Eve to break out the gifts, and keep the well-hidden until th time arrives.

Maintain “radio silence” on social media: Crooks know that people love to boast to their friends on social media about the cool gifts they’ve gotten for Christmas. Many will monitor Facebook and other social media sites to see what goodies might be available to them — and then wait until you’re away to break in and steal them. The safer course is to only mention your gifts when you see your friends in person or talk to them on the phone.

Watch what you put out in the trash: Did you get a new flat screen TV or other expensive product as a gift? If you put the boxes these items came in out with your curbside trash, you’re also advertising what you’ve gotten to your neighborhood thieves. Tear bigger boxes down before taking them to the curb, or keep them for storing household items.

Put your lights on a timer: Many burglars will watch a home for several days to look for signs of inactivity or the absence of residents. The lack of interior or exterior lights at night is often a telltale signal to crooks that no one is home. Using a timer to automatically turn lights — including your Christmas lights — on and off at random times can keep burglars guessing and minimize your risk of a break-in.

Keep your home safe while you’re away: Are you planning to travel over the holidays? Making your home appear “lived in” can help to prevent a burglary. Stop newspaper, mail and package deliveries temporarily, and if possible, have a trusted friend or relative stop by at least once a day while you’re gone. Also, alert friendly neighbors of your absence so they can keep an eye on your property.

Install a home security system: The start of the holiday season is also a good time to beef up your home security. If you don’t have one already, consider installing an advanced security system with features such as motion sensors, video surveillance cameras, burglar alarms and centralized monitoring.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for more tips on how to keep your home safe during the holidays – and throughout the year.

Learn More About Home Security

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.