How to Secure Your Home During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for celebration, togetherness, and joy. However, it's also a time when homes become more vulnerable to theft and break-ins. Many people travel during the holidays, leaving their homes unoccupied for extended periods, and this can attract burglars. Additionally, with the increase in holiday shopping, homes may be full of valuable items, making them tempting targets for criminals.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to secure your home during the holidays, ensuring that you can enjoy the festive season without worrying about the safety of your property. From enhancing your physical security to utilizing smart technology, there are practical steps you can take to minimize the risks. In this article, we'll explore in-depth how to secure your home during the holidays.

Understanding the Risks

Before we dive into the specific security measures, it's essential to understand the reasons why your home might be more vulnerable during the holidays. There are several factors that contribute to increased risks:

1. Traveling

Many families go on vacation or visit relatives during the holiday season. When you leave your home unoccupied, it becomes an easy target for burglars who may be watching for houses with no one inside.

2. Higher Shopping Traffic

The holiday season is synonymous with gift shopping, which means there may be expensive items in and around your home, such as electronics, jewelry, and other gifts. These items can make your home a more attractive target for criminals.

3. Increased Decorations

While holiday decorations create a festive atmosphere, they can also provide hiding places for burglars or make it harder for neighbors or passersby to notice suspicious activity. Additionally, elaborate outdoor lights can sometimes draw attention to your home, both good and bad.

4. Lax Security During Gatherings

Family and friends often gather at homes during the holidays. In the hustle and bustle of these gatherings, doors may be left unlocked, and windows might not be secured, offering easy access to intruders.

5. Darkness and Longer Nights

The holiday season coincides with shorter days and longer nights, which increases the window of opportunity for burglars to strike under the cover of darkness.

Now that we know why your home is at an elevated risk during the holidays, let's take a look at how to proactively secure it.

Reinforce the Perimeter

1.1 Check and Secure Doors and Windows

The first line of defense for your home is its entry points. Ensure that all doors and windows are properly secured before you leave for the holidays.

• Doors: Invest in high-quality deadbolts for all exterior doors. A deadbolt provides more security than a regular doorknob lock because it can't be easily bypassed. Additionally, make sure your doors are made of solid material like wood or steel. Avoid hollow doors, which are easier to break into.
• Windows: Reinforce windows with locks that are difficult to tamper with. Many people overlook the importance of window locks, but they are a key point of entry for burglars. Consider adding security bars or using window film that strengthens the glass to make it more resistant to shattering.

1.2 Install Motion-Activated Lights

One of the best deterrents to a burglar is the threat of being seen. Motion-activated lights on the exterior of your home can help ensure that your home is illuminated if someone approaches it at night. This will make it harder for burglars to approach unnoticed and will alert your neighbors or passersby to suspicious activity.

• Front and Back Yard Lights: Install lights near all entrances to your home, including the front and back doors, as well as any side gates or paths that lead to your house.
• Driveway and Garage Lighting: Ensure that your driveway is well-lit. Burglars often target garages because they contain expensive tools and equipment. Additionally, a well-lit driveway discourages criminals from approaching your home.

1.3 Install Security Fencing or Gates

If possible, consider installing security fencing or gates around your property. Fencing not only acts as a physical barrier but also serves as a visual deterrent for potential burglars. A tall, sturdy fence can make it more difficult for thieves to access your property, especially if it's topped with spiked elements.

Invest in a Security System

2.1 Home Security Alarms

One of the most effective ways to deter intruders is to have a professional home security system in place. These systems often include alarms that trigger when a door, window, or motion sensor is activated. The loud alarm not only scares off burglars but also alerts you and your neighbors to potential threats.

• Monitored vs. Unmonitored: A monitored alarm system connects directly to a security monitoring company, which will alert local authorities if a break-in is detected. An unmonitored system simply triggers an alarm, which you or someone nearby will hear, but it does not alert authorities. While unmonitored systems are cheaper, monitored systems provide greater security.

2.2 Smart Security Systems

In recent years, smart home technology has revolutionized home security. With the use of smart devices, you can monitor your home remotely via your smartphone. Smart security systems can integrate with other smart devices, such as lights, locks, and cameras, to provide an added layer of protection.

• Smart Cameras: Place cameras at strategic locations around your home, especially at entry points. You can even install doorbell cameras to monitor visitors and package deliveries. Many smart cameras also come with motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio.
• Smart Locks: Use smart locks that allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely, or set automatic schedules to lock doors at certain times. This feature is particularly useful when you're away for the holidays, as it gives you more control over your home's security.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

3.1 Security Cameras

Security cameras are an essential component of any home security system, especially during the holidays when break-ins are more common. Modern security cameras are often equipped with features such as motion detection, night vision, and the ability to send real-time alerts to your phone.

Consider setting up cameras at entry points like doors and windows. You can also place them around your property to monitor areas that aren't typically visible from your windows. In addition to providing a deterrent, security cameras also serve as crucial evidence in case of a break-in.

3.2 Smart Lights and Timers

When you're away for the holidays, you want to make it look like someone is home. You can use timers to schedule your lights to turn on and off at specific times. This will give the impression that the house is occupied, which can deter burglars from attempting to break in.

Additionally, some smart lighting systems can be controlled remotely via your smartphone, so you can turn lights on and off at will, adding a layer of unpredictability for any potential burglars.

3.3 Smart Plugs for Holiday Decorations

Smart plugs allow you to control holiday decorations remotely, such as lights and outdoor decorations. This can give the impression that someone is home, and also prevents burglars from knowing your exact schedule. You can set lights to turn on and off at random intervals, ensuring that your home always appears occupied.

Be Discreet with Holiday Shopping

4.1 Don't Advertise Expensive Gifts

During the holiday season, many people buy expensive gifts for their loved ones. These items, like electronics, jewelry, and high-end gadgets, can attract burglars. Be cautious about where you place these gifts, and avoid leaving them visible from the outside.

Additionally, be mindful of what you post on social media. Posting pictures of expensive gifts or showing that you're away from home on vacation can alert burglars to potential opportunities. It's always better to keep such details private.

4.2 Properly Dispose of Packaging

After opening gifts, be mindful of how you dispose of the packaging. Burglars often look for empty boxes from expensive items like flat-screen TVs, computers, or high-end electronics. These boxes can signal to criminals that there are valuable items inside the home.

Instead of leaving large boxes on the curb, break them down and place them in garbage bags or use a recycling bin that is less visible from the street.

Keep Your Neighborhood Informed

5.1 Get to Know Your Neighbors

Your neighbors can be a valuable resource in securing your home. During the holiday season, people are often more willing to keep an eye on each other's homes. Consider getting to know your neighbors, exchanging contact information, and agreeing to watch each other's properties while one family is away.

• Neighborhood Watch: Many communities have neighborhood watch programs that help to identify and report suspicious activity. If your neighborhood has a watch program, make sure to participate.

5.2 Ask a Neighbor to Collect Mail and Packages

A pile of mail or packages sitting on your doorstep is a clear indicator that no one is home. If you're going away for the holidays, ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail, newspapers, and any packages that are delivered while you're away.

Secure Your Garage and Outdoor Areas

6.1 Lock Up Your Garage

Many people store valuable items in their garage, making it a prime target for burglars. Ensure that your garage is securely locked, and if you have an automatic garage door opener, make sure it is also protected with a unique code.

Additionally, install a security camera or motion sensor in your garage to monitor any activity in the area.

6.2 Secure Outdoor Storage

If you have outdoor storage sheds, tools, or other valuable items outside, make sure they are properly secured. Lock all sheds and outdoor storage units, and if possible, use heavy-duty chains or locks on larger items like bicycles or outdoor furniture.

Conclusion

Securing your home during the holidays is essential to protecting your family and property. By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of a break-in. From reinforcing entry points and investing in security systems to utilizing smart technology and working with your neighbors, there are numerous ways to ensure your home stays safe while you enjoy the festivities.

Remember, burglars tend to target homes that appear unprotected, so by taking these steps, you'll create an environment that deters criminal activity and allows you to focus on celebrating the season with peace of mind.

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