How to Keep Your Home Safe this Holiday Season

by Debbie Goldberg 12/22/2019

Photo by PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

Shopping trips, holiday parties and family gatherings make the season one of the most anticipated and enjoyable times of year, but it is also a prime time for thieves and safety hazards. Learning more about the typical risks a homeowner faces in the holiday season allows you to prepare – and enjoy a safe and secure holiday season.

3 Ways to Keep your Home Secure this Holiday Season

You know the standard tricks – putting the lights on timers, letting neighbors know you’ll be gone and stopping your mail, but incorporate these tips the next time you leave home during the holiday season.

Don’t Share Your Plans

If you are one of the millions of Americans hitting the roads this holiday season, your home will sit empty for days at a time. Prevent tempting thieves by keeping your travel plans private. In today’s busy social media climate, it is natural to share travel plans and pictures while you are on the road. A thief seeing your picture of the family at the beach or on a cruise ship will know you are not at home in your snowbound state. That image may be all they need to add your home to their list of targets.

Hide Packaging

If you leave home after the holidays, don’t put the boxes from gifts out at the curb. The box for that flat screen television, gaming console or laptop will let thieves know exactly what they will be able to find in your home. Hide boxes or wait to recycle until you are home, just in case. If you are expecting packages, try to be home for the delivery and bring them in promptly, to avoid tempting thieves.

Decorate Wisely

The month of December is the most dangerous of the entire year when it comes to electrical fires. Lights, dried out trees and new (but unsafe) decorations can contribute to risk. Don’t leave lights burning if they are damaged or if you will be out of town. Be sure to use a fake tree or keep your live one hydrated to ensure your risk is minimized, as well. Turn lights out at night to cut your risk and keep your home secure.

You’ll get more enjoyment from the holiday season when you know your home is safe and secure from harm. Taking these simple steps can prevent damages and loss and allow you to have an amazing holiday season.

About the Author

Debbie Goldberg

I'm a full time Realtor with over 30 years of experience yet young enough to embrace today's ever-changing scope of marketing and technology. Having grown up in Connecticut and moved many times (too many to count!) I can empathize with today's buyers and sellers. Strictly maintaining ethical standards and being a fierce advocate on behalf of my clients are things I take very seriously. As a buyer, you can expect me to listen to and evaluate your real estate wants and needs. I can assist in explaining relevant forms, agreements, and closing procedures. I will guide you through the process of finding the right home, negotiating your offer, adhering to all contract dates and terms as well as final walk through and closing procedures. As a seller, I will listen to and evaluate your goals, needs, and timing in order to properly price your home to get the maximum exposure needed to attract the right buyers. In addition to negotiating on your behalf, I will make sure we communicate throughout the entire process as we navigate the contract terms, finance and inspection contingencies, as well as all closing procedures. I was born in Japan, grew up in Hamden and lived in New York, Ohio and Southern California before settling down in New Haven county to raise two kids, two dogs and a cat. I'm passionate about good food and love to bake. Some of my free time has been spent volunteering at Temple Beth Sholom, a synagogue where my family has been members for over 40 years. I also spend time at Tower One/Tower East, an assisted living center in New Haven where my mother-in-law now resides. 30 years of helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals has given me the peace of mind to know that what I do everyday matters. If you are thinking of buying or selling please keep me in mind.