Holiday Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses
With the holiday season right around the corner, burglars are on the lookout for unguarded homes or businesses to prey on. Unlike the Grinch, holiday robbers don’t often have a heart that grows three sizes, making it more important than ever to protect your valuables and your loved ones.
Our security experts have come up with seven useful and easy tips to help keep you safe this holiday season.
1. Don’t leave valuables or gifts on display
Close any window coverings or move any expensive items away from the windows. Anyone looking in from the outside who can easily see big-ticket items could be tempted to find their way inside.
2. Decorate safely
Consider the fire and safety risks that may be associated with your decorations. Faulty wires or damaged light strands can be a fire hazard, and keeping your outdoor decorations plugged in through a window can create a safety concern. Unplug holiday lights when you are not around to help avoid any concerns for electrical fires.
3. Curb burglars
Avoid leaving boxes or packaging for well-known or identifiable items outside your home or business. Put them in a bag or drop them off at a recycling center nearby. Leaving packaging outside is a signal to burglars that a big payoff could be waiting inside.
4. Be mindful online
In addition to the previous tip, be mindful of the things you share online. Flaunting expensive gifts on social media can entice people with bad intentions. You should never advertise your exact home address or share it with anyone you don’t know, so avoid posting images that make your address too obvious.
If you are leaving your house for vacation over the holiday season, remember these vacation tips and avoid sharing about your trip until after you’re home. Posting from another country or town shows that your home is sitting empty.
If you own a business that will be closed over the holidays, especially for an extended period of time, ensure that all of the proper safety protocols are met. It is also a good idea to test any alarms or sensors prior to an extended absence.
5. Be neighborly
Having neighbors who watch out for each other and keep an eye on things can be a great way to deter any criminal activity in the area. Consider reaching out to neighbors or other local business owners to strengthen your sense of community.
6. Put lights on a timer
Most criminals prefer to work in the cover of darkness. If you are not around in the evening, consider adding smart lightbulbs or managing some lights via an app such as Alarm.com. This can give you the flexibility to control your lights when you are not physically present.
7. Have a security system in place
Installing a security system with cameras, motion detectors, and smart monitoring can be the easiest way to truly secure your home or business. While it works all year long to keep you safe, the holidays serve as an added reminder to do so.
If you have any questions about getting started with a security system or have any questions about these holiday safety tips, give our friendly team a call or fill out the form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Explore Our Other Blogs
Who Owns ADT Alarm Systems After Install?
You’ve paid to have an alarm system installed in your home. Do you own the equipment? Most likely, but not yet if you contracted with a big-box home security company like ADT. Payment Plans for Equipment Most people sign up on special offers in which they will pay an installation fee for the equipment, but…
Emergency Egress 101 for Commercial Buildings
When people think about emergency egress, they usually picture exit signs and the nearest door. In reality, egress is the entire route occupants rely on to get out quickly and safely—often under heightened stress, reduced visibility, and crowded conditions. When a means of egress isn’t clear or usable, even a minor emergency can turn into…
What are the Best Outdoor Security Cameras?
Outdoor security cameras do more than record what happens around a property—they help you see clearly, respond faster, and document events when you need answers. Whether you’re protecting your home’s front porch and driveway or monitoring your company’s parking lot, loading dock, or perimeter gate, the “best” outdoor security camera is the one that fits…
Smart Home Technology for Aging Adults
Alzheimer’s Awareness Around 75% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease, and by…
What to Know About Smart Locks
Smart locks have been on the market for several years and continually gain features as technology advances. Learn how useful they can be and how to find the best option for your home or business. What’s a smart lock? Smart locks are door locks controlled digitally. These locks can be monitored and controlled by an…
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
Why Cheaper Isn’t Better When It Comes to Security
What is DIY Security? The development of home security technology using wireless transmission connections and battery power has made it possible for DIY options to enter the home security market. One of the biggest misconceptions about DIY home security is that it is so easy that a person with absolutely zero background on audiovisual equipment…
The Benefits of Keyless Access Control
As your organization grows and evolves, managing physical access becomes increasingly complex. Traditional keys often struggle to keep pace with changing employee roles, multiple locations, and heightened security expectations. These issues don’t just cause minor issues—they create risks that can impact productivity, compliance, and overall security. Keyless access provides a modern approach to commercial access…
Security Integrations with Avigilon Alta
Security systems and integrations For business owners and managers, security systems are a key tool in protecting your customers, property, and commercial operations. There are several components to consider when working to create the best security system for your business, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. A helpful approach to finding the best fit for…
How Poor Security Can Cost Your Business
Poor security practices have hidden costs With the many expenses that business owners must juggle for day-to-day operations, security often falls by the wayside. Even though it seems like an easy way to save money, the cost of handling a break-in can surpass the money you’d spend on installing and maintaining a security system. Here…