The holiday season means lots of fun and excitement, and for many, a lot of travel plans. But while you’re packing up the family to leave for your latest holiday adventure, don’t forget about keeping your home safe and secure while you’re away. The holiday season boasts some of the highest rates of fires, burglaries and accidents in the home, so follow these quick tips to keep your home and family safe.
Keep Your Trip Off Social Media
While it can be tempting to post every minute of your holiday vacation online for your friends and family to see, posting that you are away on your social media streams is a great way to advertise to potential burglars that your home isn’t occupied. In fact, the number of burglaries related to social media is rising, as this Las Vegas family found out. The majority of break-ins during the holiday season take place while homeowners are away, so make sure you don’t give thieves any inside information. In addition, don’t tempt potential thieves by posting any information about valuables or exciting gifts that you might have in your home.
Turn Off Holiday Lights While You Are Away
December is the deadliest month for electrical fires in the United States, and there is no doubt that many of these fires start with electric lights and extension cords around your home. If you are planning to travel for the holidays, make sure to turn your lights off while you are away to avoid a fire catastrophe like this one in Tennessee. While you may think timers on your lights might lessen the risk, accidental fires can still happen when timed lights are left wrapped around dry Christmas trees or plants in your yard. To protect your home from potential fires and keep your energy costs down, only turn on those lights when you can supervise them.
Keep Your Neighbors in the Know
If you are traveling for the holidays and your neighbors aren’t, they can be a great resource for keeping your home safe while you are away. Before you leave on your trip, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your home and pick up mail and newspapers so it looks like your home isn’t empty. Instead of leaving your lights blazing all night long, consider leaving an indoor lamp on a timer to give the impression that your home is occupied. Even if you don’t feel comfortable asking your neighbor to help with chores, simply asking them to keep an eye on your house while you’re gone can ensure that burglars, fires, burst pipes and other catastrophes don’t crop up or can be dealt with promptly.
Pull the Plug on Appliances
If you are away from your home for an extended period of time, you could be at risk for a power surge. Protect your home, your appliances and your devices by unplugging them before you leave. Don’t forget about computer cords, mobile device chargers, coffee makers and other small appliances. You will have a smaller risk of fire in your home and a smaller electric bill to boot!
Arm Your Home with an Alarm
A secure home alarm system can not only alert the authorities if your home is broken into while you’re away, but may also deter would-be burglars before they break in. An alarm system can help you keep your home secure not just during the holidays, but all year round and help give you peace of mind while you enjoy a vacation away from home. Paying a modest expense each month could save you large expenses—and headaches—in the long run.
Lock Down Your Home Before You Leave
Although it may seem silly, many homeowners leave their homes unsecured while in the middle of the excitement of packing up for a trip. Leaving doors and windows unlocked while your away makes it easy for intruders to make their way inside. Before you leave, go through the following checklist:
- Are all external doors locked?
- Are all windows secured from the inside?
- Have you left a few lights on in your home to give the appearance of occupants?
- Is your garage door closed and secured?
- Are your blinds and curtains closed?
- Is your alarm system armed?
- Have you removed all garage door openers and sets of spare keys from vehicles staying outside your home?
- Have you removed spare keys from hiding places outside your home?
Following these steps can help ensure that your holidays stay merry and bright, and not stressful! For more home ownership tips, visit www.nchfa.com/home-buyers.
