With all the hectic planning, shopping, and fun coming up this holiday season, it’s important to make sure that your home and business is protected. There’s a few essential steps that home or business owners can take in order to ensure that their property is protected during the holidays; in this blog post, the residential security experts here at SOS Locksmith will provide details as to make sure that you are protected during the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Don’t Publicize Travel Plans
Make sure to leave the details of your vacation off social media – and if you must post them, make sure your privacy settings only allow trusted friends and family members to see this content. This includes information about your destination, your travel dates, and your return dates. This information can prove to be a major security risk if it falls into the hand of a criminal, because it allows them to know when your home will be empty. This rule applies to all times of year, and regarding all personal information.
Tell a Neighbor that you’re Traveling
Make sure to tell a trusted neighbor that you will be away and ask them to keep a close eye on your home, and to report any suspicious activity to you. They can also pick up your newspapers and mail to make it appear like somebody’s home. We also recommend utilizing home automation technology or timers to control lights, and even your television to create the illusion that somebody is home.
Conceal Packages
If you’re receiving packages, or have gifts positioned under the Christmas tree, it can provide a temptation for a burglar to attempt to steal from you. Keep all displayed gifts away from a window or somewhere they can be spotted, and make sure that no packages or deliveries are left vulnerable on your doorstep. Install a front camera in a clearly visible location to deter potential package thieves. If you must receive deliveries, consider getting a package locker or high security drop box at your home.
Christmas Lights, Chimneys, and Fire Safety
If you have holiday lights on display, inspect them before leaving to make sure that no cords are frayed or bulbs are cracked. This can help prevent the risk of fire-causing mishaps. We recommend keeping holiday lights on a timer to turn off automatically. If your home has a fireplace or chimney you also need to have it inspected – along with your furnace and air ducts. Sweep out the entire chimney before using your fireplace. Additionally, check that the batteries on your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are charged.
