The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and making memories with loved ones. But between all the cooking, decorating, and traveling, it’s easy to forget about keeping your home safe.
Whether you’re planning a big holiday dinner, hitting the road to visit family, or just enjoying some quiet time at home, these few simple precautions can help protect your house and give you peace of mind this season.
Make Your Home Smarter
Smart technology can be a game-changer when it comes to home security. Here are some tips to make your home safer by using smart tools:
Use Timers for Lights: Whether you’re at home or away, setting timers for your lights can give the illusion that someone is home, deterring potential burglars.
Smart Security Systems: Many systems let you monitor cameras, lock doors, and control lights remotely. This means that no matter where you spend your holidays, you can check in on your home and even get alerts if motion is detected.
Doorbell Cameras: These are especially handy during the holidays to keep track of visitors and reduce the risk of porch theft when you have packages delivered.
Protect Your Home While Traveling
Leaving your house unattended over the holidays? These steps can help keep your home secure:
Keep Travel Plans Private: Avoid posting your itinerary or vacation photos on social media until after you return. Publicly sharing this information can alert burglars that your home is empty.
Manage Mail and Deliveries: Pause mail and package deliveries whenever possible, or have a trusted friend or neighbor collect them for you.
Secure All Entry Points: Double-check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget your upstairs windows and put any items like ladders that could aid a break-in.
Make Your Home Look Occupied: Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway occasionally or leave a car in your own driveway to give the impression that someone is home.
Practice Kitchen Safety
Holiday cooking can be fun, but it also comes with risks. Keep yourself and your kitchen safe by following these tips:
Never Leave the Stove Unattended: Stay close and avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch fire, especially when frying or sautéing with oil
Always Set Timers: When you’re in the middle of cooking multiple items, make sure you set a timer for each one, so you reduce the risk of burning food or starting a fire.
Keep Flammable Items Away: Don’t leave oven mitts, towels, or food wrappers near any open flames or hot burners.
Be Prepared for Grease Fires: Never use water on a grease fire. Instead, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid to smother the flames.
Test Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in working order. Everyone in the household should know how to use the extinguisher in an emergency.
The holidays are a time to focus on family, friends, and celebration—not worrying about your home’s safety. By taking these simple precautions, you can create a secure environment and enjoy the season to its fullest.
Whether you’re cooking up a feast, traveling to visit loved ones, or relaxing at home, a little preparation goes a long way toward peace of mind.
Here’s to a happy and safe holiday season!