7 Security Tips to Keep Your Home Safe in the New Year

• January 4, 2017
• by Carlos Lopez

With the holiday season behind us, many of us are ready to start the new year off with new habits and routines. We focus on taking better care of our bodies, our finances, and our loved ones, but what about our homes? Home burglaries are common, especially in the winter months when lots of holiday gifts and money are lying around. Take steps to keep yourself from being the victim of a break-in this new year by following a few simple tips.

Everyday Security Strategies

The winter is a time when darkness falls early and many people spend time away from home. Whether you are out running errands, attending parties, or playing in the snow, be sure your home is safe from intruders.

1. Lock Doors and Windows

Sometimes the most obvious act is the one people forget. Be sure that every entrance to your house is bolted shut. Put reinforcements on doors if yours are too easy to break open, and keep all windows securely locked.

Notice places where glass can be broken for access, and have additional locks or safer doors installed.

2. Keep Gifts and Other Items Out of Sight

With the holidays just passed, our homes are full of new clothes, jewelry, electronics, toys, and other gifts. Don’t advertise what is in your home by keeping gifts or other expensive items in full view.

Close your window blinds to keep potential intruders from making a plan, and don’t leave valuable items where anyone can see them from the outside of your home.

Also, check your trash to be sure that you aren’t displaying boxes from high ticket items like televisions and electronics.

3. Light up the Night

Make sure your home has plenty of light. Put indoor lights on a timer, so they are shining like someone is home when night falls. You should also have motion sensor lights outside your home and at your front door that go on whenever someone approaches.

Vacation Security

If you are planning a winter getaway, you’ll want to take extra precautions to keep your home protected.

4. Let a Trusted Neighbor Know You’re Away

Your neighbors are one of your best lines of defense when it comes to intruders. They will be able to tell when something doesn’t seem quite right.

Let your neighbors know that you are going away, and ask them to call you or the police if they see anything strange.

5. Stop Mail and Newspapers

Avoid letting mail and newspapers pile up in front of your home. It advertises to intruders that you are away.

Either stop the mail and newspaper delivery while you are gone, or ask someone to pick these items up for you each day.

6. Keep Your Plans Off Social Media

It’s tempting to show off each leg of your trip with fun stories and pictures, but you never know who is watching your posts. Someone scouting your neighborhood can easily find out who is on vacation by paying attention to social media.

Be careful not to let everyone know that your home is sitting empty. Either post to a select group of people only or wait until you are home to post your pictures.

7. Consider an Alarm System

Is your house protected by a security system that will sound an alarm when your house is compromised? Simply installing an alarm system is a great way to keep potential burglars away. An intruder would much rather break into a home that isn’t secured than one that is. And in the case that an intruder does gain access, alarms will sound and police can be notified immediately.

Don’t let a criminal take the fun out of your new year. Protect your home and your family by taking steps to secure your property.

For more information on home security during the winter and throughout the new year, contact us.

 

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