Outdoor lighting is your first line of defense against potential intruders. A well-lit home is far less appealing to a burglar than a dark one, but here’s the trick: opt for motion-sensor lights rather than leaving a spotlight on all night. Not only will they surprise anyone trying to sneak around, but they’ll also help you save on energy (and won’t turn your home into a lighthouse).
Tip: Place lights strategically around entry points, garages, and shadowy corners. Also, make sure to test them regularly – the only thing worse than a dead battery is realizing it’s been out for months.
2. Secure the Perimeter
Take a walk around your property to check for any obvious weak points. That wobbly back gate? Fix it up. Loose fence panels? Secure them. This is the season for both strengthening your defenses and closing any gaps (literal or figurative) in your security.
Tip: While you’re at it, make sure the electrical systems in your house are up to date. An old breaker box is like a ticking time bomb. Get it inspected and upgraded if necessary. Trust me, it’s less expensive than dealing with a fire.
3. Make Your Home Look Occupied
If a potential burglar thinks you’re home, they’re much less likely to attempt a break-in. An easy way to do this is by setting up timers for indoor lights, radios, or even TVs.
Smart plugs can make this even easier, allowing you to set lights to turn on and off at different times, creating an illusion of movement and activity. It’s low-cost, low-maintenance, and makes your home look occupied (even if you’re out grabbing last-minute groceries).
4. Mind Your Packages
Ah, the holiday season—a time for online shopping. But with that excitement comes the risk of package theft, especially with early nightfall. Visible packages are like a beacon for opportunistic porch pirates who see that Amazon box unattended.
Consider scheduling deliveries for when you’re home or using package lockers (some delivery companies offer this service). If you have a porch camera, you can keep an eye on your deliveries, and some security systems even let you communicate with anyone who dares to swipe your shipment of fuzzy socks.
5. Get Smart with Home Security
Smart homes are no longer just for tech enthusiasts. With a few smart gadgets, you can transform your home into Fort Knox with minimal effort. Consider a security camera, video doorbell, and even smart locks that let you keep an eye on things and lock up remotely (no more second-guessing if you left the front door open).
6. Don’t Be Too Social on Social Media
We all love to share our holiday fun, but burglars are known to monitor social media for vacation and event announcements. If you’re going out of town or spending the weekend away, resist the urge to post about it until after you’re back. And if you must post in real-time, double-check your privacy and location settings!
7. Get to Know Your Neighbors
It might feel like a throwback, but a good relationship with your neighbors is still one of the best security measures out there. They can keep an eye out while you’re away, notice any suspicious activity, and maybe even bring your trash cans in if you forget. Building a small neighborhood network is a great way to keep your property safe and build a sense of community.
8. Know What’s Covered – Just in Case
Even with the best preparation, it’s a good idea to understand how your homeowners insurance covers theft. Check your policy to see what’s protected and make sure you have enough coverage for high-value items. And remember, some insurance providers offer discounts for security upgrades, so it’s worth investigating if an extra camera or alarm could benefit both your safety and your premiums.
With these tips, you’ll be ready for whatever the season brings, whether it’s holiday cheer, snowfall, or just nice, quiet nights in. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way, especially when the evenings are long and dark.
Stay safe, stay cozy, and enjoy the season!