Tips for Home Security during the Busy Holiday Season

Although the holiday season is still down the road, it is never too early for homeowners to start preparing.  Sadly, while Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are four of the biggest holidays in the United States, times when families and friends gather and spend quality time together, it is also a busy time for home intrusion.  Because of this, people need to take appropriate steps to ensure family, home, and personal belongings are safe and secure, which starts with the installation of a home security system.

Of course, among other things, the most important home security measure a person can take is by having an alarm system installed by a professional and reputable company.  Today, the options for security systems are must broader and better than ever before.  In addition, home security systems are now affordable, which is why the number of installations has increased dramatically.

Study after study shows that of all times of the year, the holiday season is when numbers for crime rise the highest.  Before this time of year gets here, people need to have a home security system installed or if they already have a system, it should be checked to make sure everything is in good working order.  Typically, good systems will provide years of protection with no problem but things can wear out so having an annual checkup is a step in the right direction. Then, if the home were located in a part of the country prone to thunderstorms, an annual checkup would be even more important in that storms can cause problems with home security systems.

Along with having a home security system installed or checked the homeowner can take other actions on his or her own to improve protection.  For instance, if the family plans to go visit relatives or take a vacation, the home security company should be notified.  That way, the company would have all the necessary information pertaining to dates gone, as well as updated emergency contact information.

Homeowners should also speak to trusted neighbors so they can keep an eye on the home.  In fact, while a home security system is a powerful solution, the eyes and ears of neighbors is an excellent backup source. Next, all newspapers and the mail should be stopped.  For this, the homeowner would simply contact the newspaper company, as well as the postal service so they know the date that delivery would be stopped and restarted.

Additionally, the homeowner should do a double check on the home before leaving.  This means making sure all windows and doors are securely locked, outside lights left on, and inside lights connected to a timer along with the television so it appears as if someone were home during random times.  Taking a few precautions coupled with the installed home security system are the best steps a person can take in keeping family and home safe.  With these proactive measures, the homeowner knows that whether home or gone, everything is protected.  The result is having peace of mind.

Festive Season Home Security Tips

With the festive season fast approaching, we are left with many decisions and preparations to make before packing our trailers and making our way to our holiday destinations. Ensuring the security of family and property is a key priority at this time.

Statistics clearly show that criminal activity increases during the holiday season and it is therefore imperative for homeowners to take the right precautions and not let their guard down.

There are several handy tips to bear in mind which can help alleviate the risk to family and property. The first and most important step to take is to ensure that your alarm is in working order. People tend to forget that an alarm system, like a car, has parts that age and wear out and therefore should be serviced at least once a year.

Spectacular thunderstorms during the summer months, can also wreak havoc on alarm systems. As a result of this, clients should regularly check their systems in case of lightning damage. Homeowners who have house insurance should also consider that in the event of a burglary, their insurance company will, in all likelihood, question whether they have properly maintained their alarm.

December is traditionally a busy period for security companies, so homeowners should try and test their alarms at least three weeks before going on holiday. Testing should be done anytime (ideally between 0800 and 2000 hours Mon-Fri) and if a fault is discovered, it can be immediately reported to the security service provider’s technical team.

Additional security tips to follow include:

• Advise your security company if you are going away and ensure that you supply all the necessary information regarding nearby emergency contacts, in case of an emergency

• Inform your neighbours of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property

• Stop all newspaper deliveries and ask a friend or neighbour to collect your post. A bulging post box is a real giveaway that you are not at home

• If hiring a house sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly

• Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home

• Ensure that all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder security locks

• Never leave a key in the inside of an outer door which has glass panels or glass near the door lock

• Having security gates fitted on outer doors is a highly effective security measure that gives you an extra line of defence

• Sliding doors can be secured simply by placing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail. Make sure that sliding doors cannot be lifted vertically

• Full fencing and sturdy gates are a good deterrent

• Have good exterior lighting, preferably on a timer

• Do not leave ladders, spades or tools outside, as they can be used to break into your house

• Clear signage indicating that you have security also helps to discourage

Burglars

Another important security tip is to be discreet when preparing to go away. People should where possible pack their cars in their garage. Homeowners should also never leave a message on their answering machine stating that they are out of town.

The festive season should be a time of relaxation and giving but let’s ensure that we are not giving our belongings to criminals on a golden platter.