How to Protect Your Holiday Gifts This Season?
During the holidays, the hustle and bustle of trying to stay on top of your to-do list can be overwhelming. Between traveling and shopping for those last-minute gifts, our homes are often overlooked. It is during these hectic times, however, that our home is the most vulnerable. If you want to protect your home and your Christmas, you need to consider taking a few security precautions.
Some practical home and holiday gift protection ideas are discussed here.
Install a Quality Home Security System
Installing a quality home security system is the best way to keep your home secure. The alarm system substantially increases the thief’s chances of getting caught by alerting the neighbors or the neighborhood police force. You can choose from elaborate, professionally monitored systems, or you can choose a more affordable, do-it-yourself home security system that you observe on your own. Either way, try to include a few video cameras which you can monitor from your cellphone. Most offer two-way voice communication that allows you to talk to the people at your home. Make sure all of your doors and windows are properly locked and secured. Many home security systems have automated locks that will lock on their own when the door is shut. These locks can be installed without a home security system as well.
Make It Look like Your Home is Occupied
If you plan to travel this holiday season, make sure that your home looks as if someone is at your residence. Go to the post office and have them temporarily withhold your mail. Do the same for any newspapers you receive daily. Put your lights on a timer. Home automation systems include timers for lights and smart thermostats that will raise and lower the temperature of your home. When you set up the timing for your lights, make sure to set them so that they mimic your regular daily routine. This will make it look like someone is at home, even when they are not.
Create a Home Inventory
Create a home inventory that includes both a written copy and a video portion. Taking a video inventory of all the items in your home is a great way to capture their actual condition, as well as getting pictures of their model and serial numbers. This gives an accurate account of all your most valuable possessions so that your insurance agent can ensure that you have the proper coverage in case your home is burglarized or damaged by fire or other natural events.
Work With Your Neighbors
Work with your neighbors and create a watch group that you can rely on to help keep your home and those of your neighbors as safe as possible. You can report strange vehicles that are seen in your neighborhood. Let your neighbors know your travel plans and exchange your contact information so that you all know how to get in touch with one another. Ensure lines of communication stay open so that everyone is aware of what is happening in the community.
Keeping your home secure during the holidays requires looking for ways to make your home look occupied, even when it is not. Home security systems and neighborhood watch programs are great ways to make sure your home is protected. Contact us at Massive Insurance and Financial Services today to determine how our agents can help you keep your home secure.