With all of the decorations, shopping, baking, and festivities that come with the holiday season, it’s important to be safe while also having fun—especially with all the extra challenges this year.
On top of putting the health and wellbeing of your loved ones first, there are several other things you can do to help keep your home and family safe. Here are five tips to help you minimize risk while you deck the halls and join the chorus.
1. Keep your travel plans offline.
If you’re planning to travel during the holiday season, be sure to keep your travel plans off your social media networks. Never post where you’re going, when you’re leaving, or when you’ll be back.
This is prime information for a burglar because they’ll know when your house will be empty. Even if you have the highest level of security on your Facebook or Instagram accounts, posting this kind of information is never recommended.
Travel safely during COVID-19
1. Wear a mask.
2. Maintain physical distance of at least six feet.
3. Wash your hands often and carry hand sanitizer that's at least 60% alcohol for when you can't wash with water and soap.
4. Stick to outdoor activities or well-ventilated indoor spaces.
Get more tips in our full guide to traveling safely during the pandemic.
2. Notify a neighbor.
If you decide to go out of town during the holidays, be sure to notify a trusted neighbor. Ask them to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity.
You should also make arrangements to keep snow from piling up on your walks and driveway and be sure to halt mail and newspaper delivery while you’re gone. Let your neighbor know if you’ve got someone coming by to check on things or shovel, so they’ll know if it’s a potential prowler or a helping hand hanging around your home.
Another way to make it less obvious that no one’s home is harnessing the power of home automation. Add a motion sensor light or use smart plugs and smart lightbulbs to control lights, TVs, and more from anywhere. And if you feel like giving yourself an early gift that keeps on giving, look into a monitored home security system before you hit the road.
3. Hide packages and gifts.
Deluxe Package Delivery Box
- Hides deliveries
- Available in black, mocha, and white
- Accommodates most package sizes
You want to keep gifts away from tiny peeping eyes, but you also want to hide your goodies from potential porch pirates. Package thieves like to strike when there’s an unprotected parcel languishing on the porch. We recommend a video doorbell camera or another outdoor security camera to help deter porch pirates.
Another smart move is to give delivery people special instructions about where to leave packages. If you’re expecting lots of deliveries, consider using a package locker (Amazon Prime members have access for free) or investing in a secure delivery box to keep on your porch.
But it’s not only deliveries that could be in jeopardy. Don’t tempt burglars with piles of pretty wrapped gifts. Try to keep gifts away from windows or other places with a view.
4. Watch your Christmas lights.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire hazards increase during the holidays. Before you string lights on the house or the tree, be sure to inspect the strands for frayed cords or cracked lamps. To prevent an accidental fire, replace any broken lamps, and throw away strands with frayed cords.
If it’s time for new lights, look for cords that have been tested by an independent laboratory, like the Underwriters Laboratory. Be sure to check the packaging to see that the manufacturer’s name and information are clearly marked.
Also, be sure to turn holiday lights off when you leave or before tucking in for a long winter’s nap. Try using an outdoor timer or smart outlet to switch lights on and off. And gather the whole clan together to review how to use a fire extinguisher and make sure yours is accessible and unexpired.
5. Inspect the furnace and the chimney.
Google Nest Protect
- Voice alarm
- Split-spectrum smoke detection
- 400 safety checks/day
Heating equipment, like furnaces and fireplaces, can turn the holidays from delightful to devastating if they malfunction or fall into disrepair. Add these items to your holiday prep list to keep your home safe from fire hazards:
- Have a professional inspect your furnace.
- Change out air filters, if needed.
- Clean out air ducts and vents.
- Hire a chimney sweep to make sure the fireplace is safe and ready to go.
- Check batteries on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, as long as you stay safe during them. Be sure to follow these five simple steps to make sure you and yours can sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the season.
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