The holiday season is a time of joy—filled with giving, receiving, spending quality time with loved ones, and traveling to celebrate the season. But before you hit the road or head to your next holiday gathering, it’s essential to make sure your home is properly prepared for your absence. Ensuring your home is secure will give you peace of mind, so you can fully enjoy your holiday plans. Here’s a checklist to help you keep your home safe while you’re away:
- Hide Packages and Gifts – In today’s world, most of us shop online, and packages often arrive on our doorsteps. To prevent theft, try to bring in packages as soon as they are delivered. Consider installing a security camera or alarm system at your front door to monitor deliveries and alert you to any suspicious activity. You can also ask delivery drivers to leave packages in less visible locations, like a side or back door, ensuring they are still in view of your security cameras or a window.
- Test Your Security System – Before heading off on your holiday plans, give your security system a check-up. Contact the monitoring center of your alarm system and request a test to ensure everything is functioning properly. Knowing that your home and valuables are secure will allow you to relax and enjoy your time away.
- Notify a Neighbor – If you’ll be gone for an extended period, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail and newspapers. An accumulation of these items is a clear signal to burglars that no one is home. Having someone look out for your property may make burglars think twice about targeting your home.
- Leave Your Home Lit – Burglars often look for signs of an empty house. If you’re heading out for a night at a party or a longer trip, consider using automatic light sensors to keep your home well-lit. Leaving a light on inside or outside can create the illusion that someone is home, discouraging potential intruders.
- Keep Your Travel Plans Private – It’s tempting to share your holiday plans on social media, but broadcasting your absence can make your home a target. Avoid posting your travel dates, especially when your social media profile includes details about your location. Publicly sharing this information may give criminals a window of opportunity to break in while you’re away.
The team at All Florida Alarms wishes you a safe and joyful holiday season!
