The holiday season is a time for celebration, family, and time off. But it also comes with an increased risk to your home's security and your family's safety. How can you improve holiday safety and security no matter what your plans? Here are five things to do to address common risks.
1. Prepare for Fire Dangers
Various holiday activities and decorations increase the risk of fires during the season. Dry trees, extra candles, flammable decorations, and parties in the home can all lead to more fire danger than normal.
Have you checked your fire alarm and control systems lately? If not, do so now. You may even want to add additional fire alarms or consult with a professional about placement in the house with a view to risk points like the Christmas tree or bundles of wrapping paper.
2. Install Access Control
Are you still relying on locks and keys to secure your doors? If so, it may be time to update to an electronic access control system. Access control systems allow you to use virtual methods - such as codes and even remote operation - to permit and deny access to doors.
An access control system allows you to let delivery persons into the garage, let in service providers or house sitters while you're on vacation, and change codes for guests or visiting adult kids. This personalization and remote operation is key when your holiday plans will vary wildly and you may get too busy to pay attention to everything.
3. Use Security Cameras
Security cameras provide year-round protection, but they are particularly important during the holiday season. Think about the safety of holiday packages on the porch. And with days getting shorter, your home is hidden by darkness for longer in the winter. Finally, many people travel and leave their house unattended at some point before the New Year.
Security cameras are a simple security feature that can add a lot of bang for your buck. Today's homeowner has a wide variety of choices for live and remote monitoring, app-based systems to allow you to check-in from anywhere, and cameras that can be placed just about anywhere to prevent blind spots.
4. Consider Interior Security
While businesses include interior security - securing individual doors, cabinets, and offices - many homeowners stop at securing their doors and windows. But interior security is important for several reasons.
First, securing interior spaces provides an additional layer of protection in case thieves get through your exterior security. But during the holidays, it also provides protection if you plan to entertain often or invite large groups over. You can lock up anything from sensitive data in your home office to that expensive jewelry you bought for your spouse.
5. Avoid Looking Like a Target
From Black Friday deals on new TVs to expensive gifts for friends and family, most Americans have more costly items sitting around their homes before and after the holidays. But make sure you don't open up your home to targeting by thieves.
How can you do this? Avoid advertising your expensive belongings and decor. Arrange for packages to be picked up promptly or use customized delivery instructions. Don't put expensive gifts near open windows. Don't leave product boxes in your garbage. Unload purchases inside the garage. And never leave notes on your door for delivery persons.
Where to Learn More
Want more tips to boost security and safety at home during your festivities? Start by meeting with the security team at All Pro Security, Inc. We will help you assess your holiday risk factors and specific concerns to create a budget-friendly security system to protect what and who you love. Call today to make an appointment or learn more.
