As the holiday approaches, many families are planning to visit relatives to celebrate Thanksgiving. They plan what route to drive, what clothes to wear, and what food to bring, but they forget to plan for burglary prevention. Even if only traveling away for the day or a short distance, it’s best to prepare the home for safety rather than fail and return to a vandalized home. An empty and unsecured home is an ideal target for burglars.
Beyond locking doors and windows, what else do you need to do? We have prepared a few tips to keep your home secure and less like window shopping for thieves.
- Close and lock doors and windows on all levels. This includes sliding glass doors, windows and doors in the garage, second story windows, and basement doors. If one of these is not locked, the house is literally an open door to intruders.
- Store ladders and tools in your garage. If not, then a ladder can be used to climb onto the roof or to a second floor window to gain entry into the house. Tools also can be used to break windows or locks.
- Close blinds and curtains to prevent people from seeing inside your home. Otherwise, it’s like window shopping for a thief.
- Set up a timer to turn lights on or off in the evening hours when it’s dark. This gives the appearance someone is home.
- Keep the exterior of your home well lit with a light at your doorway and the walkway. It makes it easier for others to see a burglar sneaking around your property.
- Install motion activated lights at your garage or doorways. When the device detects motion, the light will turn on. Burglars don’t like being in the spotlight.
- Limit the number of people you tell about your plans to travel. Refrain from broadcasting your plans on social media. If you do tell someone, it should be trusted neighbor, friend, or relative. If necessary, give them a key should you lose your key. Burglars know to look under rocks, potted plants, and boxes.
- Turn on your monitored alarm system when you leave. When a burglar enters through a door or window, the alarm will be triggered and the police will be notified. A monitored alarm system is like having eyes on your home which adds extra protection.
For more information about how to keep your home safe during the holidays and all year long, contact CT Security today at 800-976-9248! We offer free estimates for alarm and surveillance systems too!
