We’re already head-first into the season of holiday shopping, cooking, and traveling and our business sometimes makes us careless. Protect your family and property and prevent your holiday from getting ruined by checking into these areas:
Home security
Check all of your windows, garage doors and outside doors (even the door leading from the garage to your house) and make sure they are locked at all times. If you have any sheds or outbuildings, secure them, as well.
If you have a security system, ensure that it cannot be cut off from the power supply. Lock it an electricity authority lock – this is one to which only you and the electric company have a key.
If you are exchanging gifts, make sure that your wrapped presents are not visible from the street.
Decorating safety
Read and follow all of the precautions on your ladders and other equipment. When hanging lights, refrain from using staples or nails, as these may damage the wires. You may purchase UL-rated clips or wires from your hardware store or the store from where you bought your lights. They are easy to install and typically do far less damage to your walls and gutters, too!
Don’t overload your sockets, and unplug your holiday lights before going to bed or leaving. Always do a check for frayed or exposed wires and throw away older light strings that do not have safety fuses.
Fire safety
Candles make your house cozy – but treat them with respect. Make sure that they are at least one foot away from anything flammable, and never leave a lit candle unattended.
If you need to use a space heater this season, please carefully read and follow all precautions. Never leave a heater on when you’re not home, and make sure it is placed far away from bedding, curtains, or anything else flammable (including your tree and presents).
Traveling?
If you are going to be away from your home for more than a couple of days, be aware that burglars target vacant homes. Do a few simple things to ensure that your house doesn’t give off the vacant vibe.
First, make sure to cancel your newspapers and ask a neighbor to pick up your mail. A driveway full of papers is a sure sign that you’re away.
If you do not hire a trusted housesitter, use timers to randomly turn on and off your lights, television, and/or a radio so that it looks like someone is home. These timers are inexpensive and easy to install.
Never leave a spare key anywhere outside. Burglars know all the hiding places, including those fake rocks.
Lock all your doors and windows – and check that doggy door, too!
May this holiday season be safe and warm with lots of good food and plenty of time with your loved ones.
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