The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and well-deserved travel. Unfortunately, it’s also a peak season for residential break-ins. Whether you are away visiting relatives or simply have a house full of valuable new gifts, maintaining vigilant home security is non-negotiable. By implementing a few smart, proactive strategies, you will guarantee that your home remains safe and secure, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy the festive spirit without worry.
Deterrence and Discretion: Keys to Holiday Home Security
Thieves often look for the path of least resistance and the most obvious targets. Therefore, your first line of defense in home security is making your property look occupied and less appealing than your neighbors’. If you are traveling, never advertise your absence. Avoid posting travel plans or photos on social media until you are back home. Even a quick post about being on the road may alert criminals to an empty house. For gifts, be careful about how you dispose of packaging. The empty box for a new 60-inch television or an expensive game console left curbside is a blatant advertisement of high-value items inside your home. Break down large boxes and place them inside a secured recycling bin or take them to a disposal site. Maintaining a low profile is a foundational step in holiday home security.
Lighting and Automation: Smart Home Security Systems
One of the most effective ways to boost home security during the holidays is by leveraging smart lighting and automation systems to simulate occupancy. A dark house is an easy target. Invest in smart light timers or Wi-Fi-enabled plugs that allow you to automate your lights. Set them to turn on and off at staggered, realistic times in various rooms. Consistency makes a system predictable; variation makes the home look lived-in. Beyond interior lighting, enhance your exterior home security with motion-activated lights, especially near the garage, front door, and back entrance. If you have smart cameras, ensure they are connected to a system that provides instant alerts to your phone, allowing you to check live feeds or contact authorities immediately if a sensor is tripped.
Securing the Access Points: Locks, Doors, and Windows
The vast majority of break-ins occur through unlocked or easily breached doors and windows. Before you leave for a holiday trip, check all windows are fully locked. For sliding glass doors, supplement the standard lock with a wooden dowel or metal bar placed in the bottom track; this simple barrier prevents the door from being slid open even if the lock is picked. Check the locks on your main entry doors. If your doors feature hollow-core construction or weak strike plates, consider upgrading the plates with heavy-duty, long-screw versions that anchor deep into the wall stud. This inexpensive upgrade prevents kick-ins, significantly improving your overall home security. Finally, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check your mail, collect packages, and park their car in your driveway occasionally; unusual mail overflow is a tell-tale sign of a vacant property.
Handling Deliveries: Protecting Holiday Home Security
The explosion of online holiday shopping means more packages are being left on doorsteps, creating an opportunity for “porch pirates.” Whenever possible, require a signature for high-value items so they are not left unattended. If you cannot be home, utilize secure alternatives. This could mean using a neighbor’s house, having packages delivered to your workplace, or opting for in-store pickup. Alternatively, consider installing a dedicated package delivery lockbox or using a secure video doorbell system. Video doorbells not only record activity but often allow for two-way communication, enabling you to speak with delivery drivers or even suspicious individuals. Taking control of package delivery greatly reduces a common vulnerability during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I stop my mail and newspaper delivery when traveling?
Yes, definitely. Stopping or holding mail/newspaper delivery is a key, traditional component of home security when traveling.
If I use holiday decorations, do they affect home security?
They may. Ensure that your exterior holiday lights and decorations do not obstruct the view of your security cameras or windows.
Are smart door locks better than traditional deadbolts for home security?
Smart locks offer convenience and remote access control, which is great for letting in trusted visitors. However, they should always be paired with a high-quality, solid deadbolt mechanism and reinforced strike plate.
How should I secure my garage during the holidays?
Secure your garage by ensuring all windows are locked and covered. If your garage door has a security code, change it before you leave. If you use the manual pull cord, consider disabling or securing it so it can’t be reached by someone.
Homeworx Services Inc. provides professional home inspections to homeowners and homebuyers in Northern Virginia. Contact us to request our services.