Four Essential Home Security Tips for the Holidays

With Christmas just weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about what you can do to make certain the most wonderful time of the year stays that way for you and your family. Package thefts and home break-ins tend to spike during the holiday season, so it’s crucial to do all you can to ensure you don’t become a victim. Callen has four essential home security tips for the holidays.

Last year, we shared with you several things you can do to make it look like you’re home when you’re not. This year, Callen, your favorite local remodeling company, is here with some home security tips that will further help you and your home make it through the holidays unscathed.

• Be smart about where you ship your packages. Online Christmas shopping is definitely convenient, but it’s important to be smart about where you ship the items you purchase. Sending them to your home is fine if there’s always going to be someone there to bring them inside after they’re delivered. If you’re at work all day or know you’re going to be out of town around the time packages are estimated to arrive, it’s better to send them to a secure location, such as your office or the house of a friend or neighbor who will be home to receive them.
• Don’t set the packaging from high-end items out with the trash. If you receive an expensive TV, computer or other high-dollar item for Christmas, the last thing you want to do is leave the packaging it came in sitting at the curb. Doing so is asking for a thief to break into your home and steal your valuables.
• Avoid leaving wrapped presents under the tree. Along the same manner, those beautiful, merrily wrapped presents piled around your Christmas tree are a huge draw for burglars. If your tree can be seen clearly through a window, it’s best to wait as long as possible to put gifts under it. If this isn’t something you’re willing to do, at the very least move the tree so it’s out of sight of the window, or keep the curtains or blinds drawn during the day.
• Consider installing a home security system. Whether it’s a basic security system that sets off an alarm or one which is actively monitored and includes home automation, video surveillance, and other advanced security options, a home security system is a great crime deterrent. Thieves tend to avoid homes that are known to be monitored by security systems, which can provide great peace of mind during the holiday season. At the very least consider putting some interior lights on timers.

Get Help From the Pros

If you love to entertain but your home leaves much to be desired, it may be time to take advantage of Callen’s kitchen remodeling or basement finishing services. Call Callen at 414-765-2585 to find out how we can help turn your home into a hot spot for holiday entertaining.