The holiday season is a time for celebration and rest, but it’s also when accidents and crime rates spike.
Yup, unfortunately, it’s true. According to Janet Lauritsen—a criminology and criminal justice professor at the University of Missouri—robbery and personal larceny are two types of crimes that go up during the holidays. Because of this, we thought we would list some of the best tips for keeping your home safe during this busy season. Learn these tips to avoid dealing with cops or home insurance claims during the holidays. Stay safe this winter, and we wish you happy holidays and a happy new year!
Lock Your Doors
Some of us live in safer neighbourhoods than others, but there’s no excuse for not locking doors – especially during the holiday season. Criminals can still target nicer homes in safer areas, so make sure your doors get locked. This is especially the case when you are not home, but even if you are home, lock your doors.
Do Not Display Holiday Gifts
As lovely as holiday gifts look with all that shiny wrapping paper, putting them on display in your window can attract robbers. Do your best to avoid the temptation of displaying your holiday gifts in your windows. Instead, opt for simpler decorations that don’t attract as much attention. Or better yet, a decoration that lets robbers know they are not welcome!
Keep Some Lights On
If you will be away from home during the holidays, a good tip is to keep some lights on to make it seem like someone is home. This will help keep criminals away. Even just one lit room can make a big difference.
Ensure Snow Is Shoveled
Another sign that a family is away from home for the holidays is a non-shovelled sidewalk. Not only this, but slippery sidewalks can also become a liability for homeowners if someone slips & hurts themselves on your property. Because of this, it’s essential to ensure that any snowfall is shovelled promptly. If you’re not home to do it yourself, hire someone or find a friendly neighbour for help.
Partner-Up With Neighbours
Neighbours can be accommodating in certain situations. Not only can they help shovel your snowy sidewalks (see above), but they can also help keep an eye on your property. It is always a good idea to befriend and partner up with neighbours to keep each other’s houses (and the neighbourhood in general) safer.
Don’t Share Travel Plans Online
As tempting as it may be to share your newly booked holiday vacation with all your friends online via social media, you are also telling everyone that you won’t be home for the holidays, so it may be best to avoid this declaration (at least online). Share your excitement privately and with select individuals instead.
Keep Your Holiday Tree Safe
A holiday tree is a popular decoration this season but can also be dangerous. Most holiday trees can be flammable, so keeping them away from fires or heat sources is essential to avoid significant fire outbreaks. The lights that surround the tree can also become a liability. Read on to learn more about decoration & light safety.
Be Smart About Decorations & Lights
Holiday decorations and lights are a big part of the season, with most wrapping their holiday trees and homes with them. It’s essential, however, to inspect all lights and wires to find any issues with them before they are set up for the season. Use appropriate lights and cords too. If they go outside, ensure they are specifically meant for the cold weather outdoors. Don’t overload electrical circuits; you may want to turn the lights off when you sleep or leave home too.
Don’t Play With Fire
Most of us enjoy a lovely warm fireplace during winter; the same goes for candles’ ambiance. However, it’s always important to stay safe around fire. Don’t place gifts or decorations too close to a live fireplace or candle. If you have a fireplace, get the chimney checked and cleaned correctly. Having a fire extinguisher close by is always a good idea too.
The Bottom Line on Keeping Your Home Safe During The Holidays
We want you to have fun this holiday season, but we also want you and your home to stay safe. Following the tips mentioned above should decrease the chances of any issues happening around your home during this busy time of the year. Stay safe this holiday season by following the above tips. On behalf of everyone here at Harbord – The Home Insurance People, we wish you happy holidays and a happy new year.
READ MORE: Home Safety and Maintenance Tips for the British Columbia Holiday Season
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