The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebrations. While it’s exciting to spend time with loved ones, it’s also a time when burglars look for easy opportunities to strike. With your home filled with gifts, decorations, and perhaps a few guests coming and going, it’s essential to be proactive about your home’s security. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your home stays safe during the holidays.
Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner, traveling, or just enjoying some time off, these home holiday security tips can help you prevent unwanted visitors and keep your belongings safe. And if you’re looking for professional assistance, a reliable locksmith in Philadelphia can provide expert security advice and services tailored to your needs.
Lock Your Doors and Windows
This may sound like an obvious tip, but it’s surprising how many people forget to properly secure their doors and windows during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. With so many visitors coming in and out, it’s easy to overlook simple security precautions.
Make sure all doors and windows are locked, especially when you leave your house. If you have sliding glass doors, be sure to put a rod or a security bar in place to prevent them from being opened. Also, consider investing in security window locks or upgrading your existing locks for added protection. A locksmith in Philadelphia can help you assess your current locks and suggest improvements, ensuring your home is more secure.
Install a Smart Doorbell
A smart doorbell with a camera is an excellent way to keep an eye on your front door, even when you’re not home. Many models allow you to monitor who is at your door in real-time, even on your phone. This can be especially helpful if you’re expecting a delivery or just want to know who is coming and going.
These doorbells are equipped with motion sensors and two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with people at your door. If you’re concerned about security while you’re away on vacation, this can give you peace of mind. Talk to a locksmith in Philadelphia about installing a smart doorbell system as part of your home security upgrades.
Keep Your Home Well-Lit
A well-lit home is one of the best deterrents for burglars. Most criminals prefer to operate under the cover of darkness, so ensuring your home is properly lit at night can make it less appealing to intruders.
Consider installing motion-activated lights around the exterior of your home. These lights only turn on when someone approaches, so they can save energy while still providing security. Pay special attention to areas like your driveway, front yard, and backdoor, as these are common places for burglars to try and enter.
If you plan on being away from home during the holidays, use timers for your indoor lights to create the illusion that someone is home. A locksmith in Philadelphia can also suggest other ways to enhance your home’s exterior security, such as security lights or upgraded outdoor locks.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence
While social media is a great way to stay connected during the holidays, posting about your travel plans can make your home an easy target for burglars. Avoid sharing detailed updates about when you’ll be away or where you’re going. Wait until you return home to share pictures or details about your trip.
If you’re going out of town, ask a neighbor or a trusted friend to collect your mail, newspapers, and packages while you’re away. This helps prevent your home from looking abandoned, which could attract unwanted attention. A locksmith in Philadelphia may also recommend a security system with remote monitoring, so you can keep an eye on your property from afar.
Read More: Securing Your Home Before Going on Vacation
Install or Upgrade Your Security System
If you don’t already have a home security system, now is the perfect time to consider installing one. There are many options available, from traditional alarm systems to modern smart security systems that can be controlled via your smartphone.
A security system can provide real-time alerts and notifications if there’s any suspicious activity around your home. If you’re away for the holidays, a security system can give you peace of mind knowing that your home is being monitored 24/7. A locksmith in Philadelphia can recommend the best system for your needs and help with the installation.
Secure Your Garage
During the holidays, your garage can become a prime target for burglars. Many people store valuable items in their garage, such as tools, bikes, and holiday decorations. If your garage is attached to your home, burglars may try to access it to break into your house.
Make sure your garage door is secure by upgrading the locks or installing a smart garage door opener that can be controlled remotely. If your garage has an entry door into your home, ensure it has a strong lock, and consider adding an extra layer of security, such as a deadbolt.
A locksmith in Philadelphia can help you secure your garage by recommending and installing better locks or security systems. They can also perform a security assessment to identify any weak points that may need addressing.
Keep Gifts Out of Sight
While it’s tempting to display your holiday gifts around your home, doing so can invite burglars to target your house. If a thief can see expensive items like electronics or jewelry through your windows, they may be more inclined to break in and steal them.
Instead, keep gifts in a secure, hidden location until it’s time to unwrap them. Store them in a closet, attic, or basement, away from windows and doors. This reduces the temptation for potential burglars and helps keep your home safe.
Rekey Your Locks
If you’ve recently moved into a new home or lost your keys, it’s a good idea to rekey your locks before the holiday season begins. Rekeying your locks ensures that only you and those you trust have access to your home.
A locksmith in Philadelphia can quickly and affordably rekey your existing locks, saving you the cost of installing entirely new ones. This process involves changing the internal components of your locks so that old keys no longer work. It’s a simple and effective way to improve your home’s security.
Secure Your Sliding Doors and Windows
Sliding glass doors and windows are often overlooked when it comes to home security, but they can be easy targets for burglars. To secure these doors and windows, you can add additional locks, install security bars, or use a wooden dowel or metal rod in the track to prevent it from being opened.
A locksmith in Philadelphia can help you reinforce sliding doors and windows, making them more difficult for burglars to breach. They can recommend the best solutions based on your home’s design and your security needs.
Check Your Home’s Locks and Deadbolts
Finally, ensure that all of your home’s locks and deadbolts are in good working order. Worn-out or damaged locks can easily be bypassed by burglars. Check every door and window in your home to make sure the locks are functioning properly.
If you notice any issues with your locks, call a locksmith in Philadelphia to have them repaired or replaced. A locksmith can also help you upgrade your existing locks to more secure models, such as smart locks or high-security deadbolts.
Conclusion
Your home’s security is crucial, especially during the holiday season when burglars are on the lookout for opportunities. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your home remains safe and secure, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.
If you need assistance securing your home, a professional locksmith in Philadelphia can provide expert advice and services to help you safeguard your property. Whether it’s upgrading your locks, installing a security system, or rekeying your doors, a locksmith can offer the solutions you need to enhance your home’s security. Stay safe this holiday season and protect your home with the help of a trusted locksmith!
