5 Ways to Keep Your Home Secure This Holiday Season

While the holidays mark the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also “‘tis the season” for home burglaries. According to the FBI, December is a peak month for burglaries, so it’s important to take proper precautions to protect your home. Here are some simple tips improve your home’s safety and security during the holidays!

Travel Plans

If your holiday season requires any traveling, be sure to keep your travel plans private and off your social media. Posting where you are going, when you are leaving, or when you will be back is prime information for a thief, informing them when your house will be empty.

Neighborly Assistance

If you have a trusted neighbor nearby, let them know if you are planning to go out of town during the holiday season. They can keep an eye on your house, pick up your mail, and report any suspicious activity while you are gone.

Tempting Gifts

It’s hard enough to hide gifts from children during the holidays, but have you also considered potential burglars? Wrapping gifts and placing them under your tree can be a visual invitation for a burglar. When you aren’t home, they can quickly break through a window and grab all your gifts. Avoid this by positioning your tree away from windows or other highly visible areas in your home.

Home Security System

With new advances in technology today, home security doesn’t have to have an extravagant cost. New home automation devices controlled by a tablet, computer or smartphone allow you transform and tailor your home into a smart, secure home. Whether it’s sensors, cameras, locks, or light switches, there are a wide variety of devices available in the market today that can be customized to your needs and budget.

Garbage Hints

An effective way for burglars to learn what’s new and valuable in your house is to look at the packaging left in or near the garbage can. Keep it all a secret by cutting up boxes and stuffing them in black garbage bags before putting them out for trash collection.