The holidays are a time full of happiness, fun, and cheer. It’s also a time when unfortunate burglaries and unexpected house fires increase. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays to visit friends and family, or the one hosting get-togethers, protect your home so you can enjoy all the season has to offer. This includes implementing a home safety and security system as well as practicing safety in your festivities.
If you’re planning on traveling this holiday season, we want to keep you and your home safe with these 5 holiday safety tips to practice while you’re away:
1. Install/Activate a Home Security System
Have your home security system checked if you suspect it’s not working as it should? If it is working, be sure to set it while you’re away. And if you don’t have one, there are plenty of options to consider that are quick and easy to install.
2. Turn Everything Off
Be sure to turn off your string lights and electrical decorations while you’re away in addition to other lights and heaters. There is a greater risk of home fires around the holidays due to the increased use of electric and heating devices. Keep your home safe by turning these all off before you leave.
If you prefer to leave a light or two on to give the appearance that someone is home, set your lights to a timer to reduce energy costs and reduce the risk of fire. Some of the new smart home systems even allow you to control your lights remotely. If you are interested in installing a smart home device we can help.
3. Notify Your Neighbors
Talk with a trusted neighbor or two and let them know when you plan to be away. This way they can help keep an eye on your home while you’re gone and notify you of any suspicious activity. They can even park their cars in your driveway to further deter home thieves, plus everyone needs more parking during the holidays.
Additionally, ask a neighbor to be on the lookout for any mail or packages that are left for you while you’re not home. Nothing says “we’re not home” like a stuffed mailbox. If nobody is able to pick up your mail you can make a hold mail request with the U.S. Postal Service to have them safely hold your mail until you get back.
4. Inspect Your Heating System
Have your furnace and home heating system inspected for damage or leaks, clean out air ducts, and sweep your chimney. Also, be sure to inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in case something does happen while you’re away.
5. Keep Up on Home Maintenance
If you have a cleaning crew or landscaper come by weekly for home maintenance, keep them on their schedule while you’re gone. If a potential thief is staking out the house, they’ll notice when something is off. This also creates an opportunity for someone to check on your home in case something happens, like a flood or fire.
While the holidays and traveling are meant to be enjoyable and relaxing, we understand they can also be stressful. By implementing a proper home protection plan while you’re away, your house is one less thing you have to worry about during your holiday travels.
