5 Tips for Protecting Your Home During the Holidays

The holiday season is a great time to enjoy with your loved ones, but it’s also a time when homes are more vulnerable to break-ins and other risks. This is especially true if you’re away visiting family or friends. Taking steps to secure your home during the holidays can help you relax and enjoy the season without worrying. Here are five practical tips to help you protect your home and keep your family safe during the holidays.

Avoid Broadcasting Your Travel Plans

It can be tempting to share your holiday plans on social media, but doing so can alert intruders that your home is unoccupied. Avoid posting online about your travel plans until after you’ve returned. If you must share updates, ensure your social media accounts are private and limit who can see your posts.

Prioritize Fire Safety

The holidays usually bring an increase in the use of candles, fireplaces, and decorative lights. While these create a cozy atmosphere, they also pose a fire hazard if not used responsibly. Here are some tips to follow:

 

• Never leave candles unattended and blow out all flames before leaving the room or your home.
• Ensure your smoke detectors function properly or upgrade to a smoke detector connected to a monitoring center.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with holiday lights to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

Use Technology to Monitor Your Home

Modern security systems make it easier than ever to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Many systems offer features like remote monitoring, alerts and notifications, and video playback. Some systems even let you arm or disarm your security remotely. Investing in a home security system is a smart way to ensure your peace of mind during the holidays.

Inform Trusted Neighbors

If you’ll be away for an extended period, let a trusted neighbor know so they can keep an eye on your home. Give them your contact information in case they notice any suspicious activity. A neighbor can also collect your mail or packages to ensure these don’t accumulate which can signal to intruders that no one is home.

Pause Deliveries and Secure Packages

Online shopping has become increasingly popular, especially during the holidays. However, unattended packages on your doorstep can be a clear indicator that you’re away. If you’re planning to be out of town:

 

• Pause mail and package deliveries until you return.
• Use package lockers or schedule deliveries to a pickup location.
• Ask a neighbor to collect your packages if pausing deliveries isn’t possible.

Contact PGP to Learn More About Our Security Services!

The holidays should be a time to celebrate with loved ones, not worry about the safety of your home. By following these tips, you can enhance your home’s security and enjoy the season. For professional security services for apartment complexes and more, contact PGP today to learn more about our services, including armed and unarmed security for neighborhoods!