Holiday Home Safety Tips: Protecting Your Home and Belongings This Season 

As we fill our calendars with travel plans and our shopping carts with gifts, it’s essential to stay vigilant about safety during the holiday season. Whether you’re heading out of town, shopping for presents or waiting for deliveries, these tips can help keep your home and belongings secure. 

 1. Secure Packages at Your Front Door 

Online shopping is convenient, but it comes with the risk of package theft. Here are a few precautions you can take to protect your deliveries:   

  • Use Smart Delivery Options: Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when packages arrive:  
  • Choose Secure Delivery Locations: When possible, have packages delivered to a secure locker or your workplace.   

 2. Keep Your Gifts Safe in Your Car While Shopping 

Running errands and holiday shopping can leave your car full of valuable items. Minimize the risk of theft with these precautions:   

  • Hide Your Purchases: Store shopping bags in your trunk or cover them with a blanket to keep them out of sight.   
  • Park Strategically: Choose well-lit, busy areas to park your car, especially in the evening.   
  • Lock It Up: Always lock your car doors and roll up windows, even if you’re only stepping away for a moment.   
  • Avoid Leaving Items Overnight: Always bring purchases inside instead of leaving them in your car overnight.   

3. Protect Your Home While Traveling 

If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, take these steps to make your home appear occupied:   

  • Set Timers for Lights: Progress Residential’s National Director of Corporate Security Strategy & Operations, Diane DeCocq, suggests using smart plugs or timers that can turn lights on and off to mimic your daily routine.   
  • Pause Mail and Deliveries: A pile of mail signals that no one is home. Contact your local post office to temporarily pause delivery or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and packages while away.  
  • Secure All Entry Points: Double-check that all of your windows, doors and garage entrances are locked before leaving.   

4. Be Cautious with Holiday Displays 

Holiday decorations can add festive cheer but may attract unwanted attention. For an extra layer of security, be sure to: 

  • Keep Valuables Out of View: Avoid placing expensive gifts or electronics in plain sight of windows.   
  • Use Outdoor Lights Safely: Ensure your holiday lights don’t interfere with home security cameras or leave easy access points for climbing.   
  • Label Discreetly: Recycle boxes from high-value items, like TVs, computers or gaming consoles, in opaque bags to avoid advertising your new purchases to passersby.   

5. Prevent Fire Hazards at Home 

Some holiday decorations may pose fire risks if not handled properly. Keep your home safe by following these tips: 

  • Inspect Lights and Cords: Check for frayed wires, cracked sockets or damaged plugs before using holiday lights. 
  • Avoid Overloading Outlets: Use surge protectors to prevent electrical fires caused by overloaded circuits. 
  • Keep Decorations Away from Heat Sources: Ensure that trees, garlands and other decorations are at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and heaters. 
  • Water Live Trees Regularly: Dry trees can become highly flammable, so keep them well-watered throughout the season. 
  • Turn Off Lights When Unattended: Always unplug holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house. 

By incorporating these tips into your holiday routine, you can enjoy the season with more peace of mind. A little preparation goes a long way towards keeping your home and belongings safe.   

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Asia Faoro
Asia Faoro
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