Protect Your Home This Holdiay
In my book, the best holiday would be going to a loved-one’s house, sitting back, relaxing, and letting them do all the work…but this isn’t a perfect world😉!
Traveling is a wonderful thing over the holidays! But holiday travel means your home is more susceptible to unwanted guests. In order to prevent any issues, take the time to prepare and protect your home before your travels and have a peace of mind while relaxing at your in-laws!
Don’t broadcast your trip
Yes, it’s a ton of fun to let your friends know, especially on social media, that you’re going a beautiful trip and can’t wait to leave. However, anyone that who happens to come across this, people you know and don’t know, is now aware your home will be empty for the next week or so. And now is the perfect chance for some unwelcome visitors to peruse your belongings. If you must share, let people know you’ve got a great vacation planned, but not the details — day you’re leaving, how long you’ll be gone, etc.
Lock all doors and windows
This is obvious, but can be a missed detail as you’re heading out the door, it can be easily forgotten. And make sure you have sturdy locks, pick-resistant if possible. If a burglar can’t easily get into your home, they’re likely to give up and move on. If you have a sliding door, put some sort of stopper in the back groove. For your windows, inserting a simple pin or nail into the frame allows you to prevent your window from opening all the way.
Don’t leave a spare key out
A spare key is the all access pass burglars are looking for; it just asks a thief to enter your home. Instead, leave your spare with a trusted neighbor or nearby friend.
Fake them out
One of the easiest ways to deter thieves is to make them think you’re home. Many burglaries happen at night, but twice as many burglaries happen during the day, because that’s when most people are at work, school, or running around. Leaving your TV and/or radio on are great for the day and lights connected to timers are great for the night.
Another great fake-out is to make them think you have a security system, when you may or may not actually have one. A sign in the yard indicating the system and/or a fake camera/security system can easily scare burglars away!
Ask neighbors to keep an eye out
Besides being home yourself, the next best option is to have neighbors keep watch. Share your travel plans with trusted neighbors, and even the crime watch team if your neighborhood has one. Try to pause mail and newspaper service, if not, ask a neighbor to get it for you. Nothing screams “please break into my home because we’re not here” like a full mailbox and five newspapers on the driveway. If there’s snow in the forecast, pay Andrew from down the street to make sure your driveway and sidewalk get shoveled while you’re gone.
- If you’re leaving and returning before the holidays, DON’T leave gifts under the tree and visible from outside.
- If you’re looking for more ways to secure your home, check out these useful gadgets!
The holidays are a wonderful, yet slightly stressful time. Don’t add to it by worrying if your home is safe while you’re away. And while it’s not the go to, your garage door can also be a point of entry for thieves. You take care of ensuring your home is protect ed and we’ll take care of your garage. Call Overhead Door Company of Garden City 620-275-4602 or contact us for that peace-of-mind feeling you’ve been hoping for!
Call today! 620-275-4602
