How to Keep Your Home Safe and Secure During the Holidays
- Before leaving, check your property and make sure there are no garden tools lying around which criminals could use to break into your home.
If you are planning to travel during the holiday season, be sure to keep your travel plans off your social media networks. Never post where you are going, when you are leaving, or when you will be back. This is prime information for a thief because he will know when your house will be empty. Even if you have the highest level of security on your Facebook or Twitter accounts, posting this personal information is never recommended.
- Don’t state your home address on the outside of your luggage. Put a note inside the lid in case of loss, or use a label with an alternative non-residential address, such as your place of work
If you are planning to go out of town during the holiday season, be sure to notify a trusted neighbor. Ask the neighbor to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity. You’ll also want this neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers while you are away. Make sure your house looks like somebody is home to deter a burglar. Home automation is a great way to do this. Add a motion sensor light or use smart plugs and smart lightbulbs that let you control lights, TVs, and more from anywhere.
- Bring in washing from the line, and from drying racks that can be seen from the street.
- Leave curtains and blinds open – nothing reveals that a house is unoccupied so much as curtains drawn during the day.
- Cancel deliveries and pool and garden services.
Keep your valuables safe!
Keep valuables out of sight and don’t leave them where they can be seen through a window, especially if you live in an estate or complex.
Make sure you have adequate house and travel insurance and that you have declared anything that could, if an insurer found out about it later invalidate your claim.
Aside from having adequate coverage, here are some steps you can take to protect your house:
- Turn off your geyser.
- Turn off and unplug any electrical appliances which will not be in use (television, computer, etc.).
The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, as long as you stay safe. Be sure to take the precautions you need in order to fully enjoy the season.
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