Safety & Security Tip #11 - Holiday Safety & Security
Safety & Security Tip #11
This is another long one, but it is full of content and I will keep it concise.
Here are my top eleven holiday safety and security tips:
1) Opening the Door To Strangers - Don’t open the door for those Delivery people. They are strangers. Your packages can wait. Burglars will often use a package as a rouse to case your home or force their way in.
2) Peephole/Doorbell Camera - Use them.
3) Alarm Systems - Homes without alarm systems are three times more likely to be burglarized. Use it.
4) What Is Under Your Tree - I love the open concept floor plans and natural lighting; however, there is a lot to be said for privacy alone - not just security. You can close blinds while angling them up which will still allow the sunlight in, but you will still have the peace of mind that comes with safety and security. Please wait until the last minute to place presents out on display.
5) Teenagers - They have a lot of small electronics and accessories that are easy to sell, but please don’t toss the kids out because they are more likely to make your home a target.
6) Loose Items & Decor - Please do not leave burglars’ favorite items outside your home for them to break in to it with. We don’t want to weaponize the enemy. Is that cute decoration capable of breaking your window?
7) Unlocked Doors & Windows - While we are carrying things in and out or entertaining during the holidays it is often easy to leave things unlocked.
8) Mail, Packages, & Flyers - Please have your mail placed on hold, packages stopped, and ask someone to come by twice daily to get anything that may accumulate on your porch while you are out of town. Nothing says, “I am out of town, please rob me” like a bunch of flyers stuck to a door and Amazon boxes ripe for the picking.
9) Boxes - Please breakdown your boxes, turn them inside out, and wait until as late as possible to place them outside for pickup. They tell potential burglars exactly what you have purchased.
10) Social Media - It was so kind of you to tell everyone you are on vacation right now (insert sarcasm here)! Please, keep the photos to share for after you get home. Do NOT share photos or locations on social media that show you are not at home!!!
11) Parties & Celebrations - Make sure that you know everyone that is in your home and that all valuables are locked securely away from sight. Friends and family may unknowingly bring others over that don’t have the best intentions. It is easier to secure items instead of replace them. You should also be acutely aware that your home will obviously be empty while you are out. It is imperative that you arm your alarms, lock all windows and doors, secure important items, and look out for one another. This is where a neighborhood crime watch becomes critical because an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of a cure.
Please keep the great questions coming!!!
