Home Security Tips For The Holiday Season

Thu, Oct 17, 2024 01:02 CET

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be a time for increased crime rates. With homes filled with valuable gifts and families away visiting family, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your home and belongings.

A house with snow on the ground

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Below, home security expert Alison Peckham at MyJobQuote.co.uk will go over a range of ways in which you can increase the safety and security of your home. Some examples include securing the doors, setting up a security system, preventing house fires, and many more. If you want to find out more about creating a safe and secure family home, read on to learn everything you need to know…

Secure The Doors

Did you know that a lot of burglars will enter a property simply by strolling in through the front door? This is why it's so important to secure your doors and keep your doors locked at all times, even when you're in the house.

Inspect all of your exterior doors and make sure the hinges are protected, the door frames are strong and check the letter box flap to ensure the door can't be unlocked by someone reaching in through the letter box.

If you are moving into a new home that was previously someone else’s home, change all of the exterior door locks. That way, you can rest assured knowing that there aren’t any strangers out there with a copy of your house keys. Plus, this gives you the opportunity to upgrade to much better locks for added security.

Below is a list of ideas to help you increase the security of your external doors:

Upgrade your locks to smart locks
Add a strike plate
Install a deadbolt
Boost the security with a video doorbell

If you have sliding glass doors at your property, it's important to reinforce these. Intruders love sliding glass doors, so make sure yours are completely protected to the best of your ability. You can choose to go old-school and make use of a window bar or dowel within the track to prevent the door from being able to slide open. If you would prefer something more high-tech, try adding a door sensor or a glass break sensor. The devices will alert you if the door is tampered with in any way, and this should scare away any potential intruders.

Lock Every Window

Windows are also a common entry point for burglars and other intruders. If you’ve recently moved into your property, you may discover that the previous owner has left the windows shut but not locked. It's important to regularly inspect the windows in your home to ensure they're not only safe but also locked as well.

What you may not realise is that the manufacturer latches on windows aren't always effective, and sometimes they can be quite flimsy. This is why it's so important to keep your windows properly locked and secured.

If you’re not a big fan of your window latches, you can increase your window security with aftermarket window locks or some key operated levers. Plus, the security doesn’t have to stop there.

Below is a list of some more ideas on how to increase the security of your windows:

Add some window bars
Reinforce the glass with window security film
Plant some prickly bushes under the first-floor windows
Install window or glass break sensors

Light Up The Exterior

Intruders are put off by lights that may make people aware of their presence. One of the best ways in which you can keep intruders at bay is by installing plenty of lighting around the outside of your property.

Place lights around the front of your home, in your back garden, along pathways, and near the garage or any other structures. Not only will this make intruders less likely to invade your space, but you'll also make your exterior look pretty and cut down your risk of stumbling on your way up to the front door.

You can make your outdoor security lights even more effective by following these tips:

Use a smart outlet to put your outdoor lights on a timer
Use motion-activated lights
Set up light schedules with smart light bulbs
Save energy by choosing solar-powered lights

Set Up a Security Alarm System

If you want to make your house secure, the best thing you can do is install some kind of security system. You can choose whether you want to install a basic DIY system, or you may choose one that comes with home automation and professional monitoring. There are many options available on the market for home security systems in this day and age. These security systems are available to suit every budget and every level of protection.

You should choose a security system that you’re comfortable with. To do this, evaluate the needs of your neighbourhood and home. Once you know all of the likely risks, you’ll be able to make a better decision on a system that would work for you.

When choosing the right home security system, there are several things that you should consider, including the following:

Are there any upfront or monthly costs involved?
DIY installation or professional installation?
Does the system include any smart home capabilities?
What are the customer service and brand reputation like?
Does the system include any extras such as smoke or carbon monoxide monitoring?

Fitting a security alarm is a great way to help deter potential intruders. Most burglars will avoid houses that clearly have alarm systems in place. If not, the alarm sound when they break in is a sure fire way to get them running away quickly.

Don’t Forget About The Garage

The garage is another potential entry point where criminals may be able to gain entry into your home. If not, it’s a place where they may be able to break into and steal valuable items from if you do choose to store things in the garage. To help tackle this issue, you should make sure to keep all of the doors to the garage locked at all times. This applies to both interior and exterior entry points.

Below is a list of tips on how to secure your garage:

Install a driveway alarm
Upgrade to a smart garage door opening system
Use home automation
Avoid leaving your garage door open
Secure all garage doors with extra locks

Lock Down Your Wi-Fi

Your home’s wi-fi system is a doorway to all of your financial and personal information. Also, if you use home automation, it can also make your house more vulnerable to break-ins. If your wi-fi network is connected to any gadgets in your home or your security alarm system, then this could give criminals easy access to your home.

If you don’t want to leave yourself vulnerable, follow these tips to keep hackers away from your home’s network:

Use a firewall
Secure your wireless router
Create strong passwords for everything
Enable WPA )Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption
Hide and rename your home’s network
Install anti-malware and anti-virus protection

If you’ve got children that use your home’s internet, there are some things you can do to keep them safe from cyber bullies and online predators. Use a parental control app, software package, or router. These tools can help you to enforce device-free dinner times, help you limit screen time, and filter the things that your children can see and do online.

Eliminate Potential Hiding Spaces

Shrubs and trees around your garden can add an aesthetically pleasing look to the exterior of your home, but they can also give burglars and potential intruders a great place to hide. To help with this, ensure that you always trim your trees and bushes down so that they can't be used for cover. Choose smaller bushes and flowers where you can. If you have any trees near windows, either remove the trees or reinforce the nearby windows for added security.

There are some other things that you can do with your outdoor space to make your home a lot safer. These include the following:

Lock all gates, sheds, and other outdoor buildings
Avoid tempting thieves by leaving pricey goods on display
Always put away ladders and stools
Add security stickers and signs to deter criminals

Install Security Cameras

Security cameras are becoming increasingly popular in homes all over. This security solution works in several ways. Firstly, the cameras will help to deter intruders. Secondly, in the event that your home is broken into, the culprit will be clearly shown on the security footage. You can choose security cameras that are part of a complete home security system, or, alternatively, you can use cameras that work on their own.

No matter which type of camera system you choose, we would recommend choosing a security camera that comes with a mobile app. This allows you to see the footage from your home in real time, and you can store the footage on your phone or another device if you ever need to go to the police.

Below are some other great extras that you can look out for when it comes to choosing security cameras:

Motion detection
Weatherproof casing on outdoor cameras
Night vision viewing
Local or cloud storage options
Wi-fi capabilities
Two-way talking features

Invest In a Safe

In the event that someone can get past your other security measures, it’s important to ensure that your most valuable items remain protected. A safe is a secure depository where you can place anything that holds value, whether it be jewellery, vital documents, cash, or passports.

You want to choose a safe that is waterproof, fire-resistant, and heavy enough so that a thief can’t simply pick the safe up and run off with it.

Follow the tips below to get the most protection from a safe:

Choose the right size of safe to suit your needs, depending on the items that you want to protect
Look out for safes that have redundant locks (two locks on one safe)
Decide whether you want a built-in safe or a portable safe

Use Home Automation

If you’ve ever thought about turning your regular home into a smart home, then now may be the time. Smart home technology is great when it comes to adding security to your home.

Home automation can provide you with remote or scheduled control of your door locks, lights, smoke alarms, cameras, and any other safety devices. You can also get real-time updates about suspicious activity in and around your home so you can respond quickly and deter potential thieves.

Below is a list of some of the best ways that you can use home automation to increase the security of your home:

Check up on your smoke or other types of alarms and cancel any false alarms from your smartphone
Schedule your lights, TV and other items to turn on or off when you’re away from home
Get instant video feeds whenever someone walks up to your driveway
Use two-way talk through a smart doorbell to scare away potential intruders

You can also get free security alerts through a smart speaker. If you have an Echo smart speaker, this can be a great security helper, and you can use it for free. Alexa Guard listens out for sounds of a break-in and can send you alters or trigger a smart routine to make intruders think there is someone at home.

Prevent Potential House Fires

There are several things that you can do to help prevent your family home from fires. Take a look at the following tips for more information:

Purchase new fire extinguishers if necessary
Inspect the current fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working properly
Hire a professional chimney inspector to perform yearly checks on your fireplace and chimney
Install new fire detectors where necessary
Check the expiration date and charge on any current fire extinguishers
Purchase additional fire security items, such as a fire blanket
Inspect and plan an escape route to ensure you and your family know what to do in the event of a fire
Have your electrics checked regularly to ensure everything is safe and as it should be

Home Security Checklist

If you are new to home security and want to ensure that everything is as safe and secure as possible, there are many things that you can do. Below is a list of the things that you can do room by room to ensure your home is as safe and secure as possible.

Kitchen

Inspect and clean appliances
Check over and clean the range hood
Clean all coils and vents
Check and replace water filters
Ensure circuits are overloaded to prevent potential electrical fires
Inspect drains
Install safety latches or locks on cabinets
Test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Put up an emergency contact list on the fridge

Bathroom

Check all pipes for leaks and clogs
Test all taps and toilets
Test and clean the showerhead
Check all sealants and caulking for proper seals
Be aware of the location of the main shut-off valve
Purchase and store a first-aid kit
Secure all medications
Use non-slip mats and grab bars to prevent falls
Inspect all areas for mould

Hallway

Check all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Add nightlights with motion sensors
Secure all rugs with adhesive tape or non-skid mats

Living Spaces and Bedroom

Create an emergency plan
Hire a chimney sweep
Repair any damage to walls
Check for lead-based paint (particularly in older homes)
Check all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Get a fireproof safe
Check all outlet covers and switch plates

Basement

Find and label your main breakers, circuit panels, and electrical system
Inspect and maintain the boiler and water heater
Clean air ducts and vents
Change all air filters
Add non-slip tape to stairs
Secure all handrails
Add appropriate lighting
Check window and door locks
Check for drafts and seal areas
Insulate exposed pipes
Look for damage to foundations or signs of flooding

Garage

Invest in an automatic door system
Secure all garage doors with extra locks
Install some motion-activated lights
Cover any windows with blinds or curtains

Outdoor

If moving into a new home, change all the locks
Inspect the roof and keep up to date with repair work
Add security lighting
Ensure the gates are in good working order
Ensure gates have appropriate locks
Repair any exterior damage
Inspect the rain gutters
Prune and trim all plants and trees regularly
Secure all entrances
Check for cracks
Lock up any hazardous materials
Make the house number visible
Secure and lock away all tools

Final Thoughts

Figuring out the best ways to make your home safe and secure shouldn’t be a chore. The tips in this article should help you get started.

You don't have to do all of these at once. Take some time to figure out which strategies are most important to you, and then make a plan to add the rest at a later date. Being aware of any potential safety and security risks and taking action early is the best way to help keep you, your family, and your possessions safe.

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