Protecting your home against invasions, burglaries, and other crimes is a year-round task, but it becomes more important over the holidays. In many homes, expensive gifts are placed under a tree and conveniently packaged in boxes for criminals to haul off in a matter of minutes.
Travel is common over the holidays so burglars are on the lookout for vacant homes. Boosting home security during the holidays is smart and can be accomplished in a few easy steps.
Easy Ways to Improve Home Security During the Holidays
Now is the time to assess your home’s most vulnerable areas. View the exterior of your home by putting yourself in the mind of a criminal. Is your home easy to access without being noticed? What is inside your home that may be appealing to criminals and easy to haul off?
By focusing on the right areas, you can improve home security during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year.
1. Install Motion Sensor Lights
Many criminals use the darkness of night for concealment as they get in and out of homes. Therefore, when you look at ways to improve home security during the holidays, illuminating your home’s exterior should be a top priority.
Improving landscape lighting throughout the exterior is one idea, and you can also install bright motion sensor lights that turn on when someone approaches your home at night. These lights can sense motion several feet away. If someone is up to no good, a bright light turning on might scare them off.
2. Invest in a Security System
Another smart idea is to invest in a home security system. A basic system can be armed when you leave and will alert you and authorities if the doors or windows are opened.
A more advanced system may have motion sensors in the home as well as video surveillance capabilities. You may also be able to activate and monitor the system remotely from your smartphone using an app.
3. Use Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology can be used in a number of ways to improve home security during the holidays. For example, a wireless video feed on a smart doorbell or exterior video camera can be used to alert you when motion is sensed on your front patio.
You can connect interior lights, the TV, and even automatic blinds to your smart home system. When you are away, you can adjust these features periodically to give the appearance that someone is inside the home.
4. Talk to a Trusted Neighbor
When you are away during the holidays, it is helpful to have someone who lives close by to keep an eye on your home. You may also have a pet sitter visit your home several times per day or a housesitter that stays for the duration of your absence. Either one can collect your mail and newspapers while you are out of town.
If you have a neighbor that you know and trust, inform them when you will be out of town, and ask them to keep an eye on your property. You can return the favor for them.
Improving home security during the holidays requires forethought and planning. After you identify your home’s vulnerabilities, determine which of these tips may be most effective for you. Combining all of these tips will allow you to enjoy your holiday vacation with peace of mind.
Elite Home Inspections wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!