Holiday Home Safety: 4 Ways to Stay Safe This Christmas

The holidays are a time when everyone is supposed to be happy and cheerful. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when burglars start targeting homes. Home invaders know most people are out shopping and traveling during the holidays, leaving their homes unoccupied for hours and days at a time. You don’t have to miss out on your Christmas plans to keep your home safe. Here’s how you can protect your home while you’re out enjoying all the season has to offer.

1. Install a Home Security System

You can install a home security system to keep your house protected while you’re away. Each system has different bells and whistles. Some have the ability to notify law enforcement if someone tries to enter your home. Many systems can be controlled from your phone and allow you to lock doors, turn on lights, and arm and disarm your system. This can give you extra peace of mind not only while you’re out shopping, but when all the presents are under the tree. 

2. Lock Doors and Windows

It can be hard to remember to lock the door behind you when you are scurrying from store to store and party to party. However, it’s extremely important to lock your doors and windows each time you leave your home. Fortunately, most home security systems allow you to lock and unlock your entrance from your phone, so you’ll never have to worry about it. If you find yourself asking if you locked your door, this is an excellent tool for peace of mind. 

3. Don’t Announce Your Next Move

If you’re going on vacation, it’s best to avoid posting on social media until you get back home. A social media photo of your entire household in Cancun lets burglars know there’s nobody home. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tell anyone about your upcoming trip. It’s important to let a trusted friend or neighbor know so they can keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Additionally, avoid taking pictures in stores where you’ve been shopping for gifts. If someone spots you’ve been in higher-end stores, it might make you a target for burglary. 

4. Keep a Car in the Driveway

Parking a car in the driveway is a great tactic to fool home invaders. If there is a vehicle parked in front of your home, they won’t be able to tell if the home is unoccupied. Most burglars will avoid the risk and target a home that’s more vulnerable. You can ask a friend if they will park their spare car in your driveway or hire a house-sitter with a car. You can always leave your outside light on to add an extra deterrent. 

Burglars improve and adjust their tactics each year, but some safety tips are timeless. Don’t let burglars ruin your holiday this year. Make sure to follow these common-sense safety tips to keep the bad guys at bay so you can enjoy a stress-free Christmas.