The holidays are here and many of us will be traveling to be with loved ones to share the joy of the season. While we’re all excited to get packed and be on our way, it is very important to make sure our home and property is secure while we are away. Here are some home safety tips to employ while you’re away to ensure you come back to a safe and sound residence.

Set timers on your lights- timers on indoor lights or programmable switches make it seem like someone is home and normal day to day functions are taking place. You can also utilize smart blubs that can be programmed right from your phone!

Install a security system- this doesn’t necessarily mean a pricey service; many camera systems are available for purchase and can be installed fairly easily and come with monitoring right from your phone. These systems will also send an alert to your phone if something is amiss.

Install motion sensors on outdoor lights- an easy way to scare off an intruder is for a flood light to come on when they enter the yard. Motion sensors on your outdoor lights will do just this and will avoid them even getting close to your home to cause potential damage.

Make sure all windows and doors are locked- this usually goes without saying, but always do a second check of windows and doors before leaving your home to make sure one of the family members haven’t opened a window or door you previously locked.

Stop your Mail- If you will be gone for longer than a day or two, make sure to have the post office stop your mail and hold it until you return.  Mail that builds up in your mailbox is a signal to intruders that your house is open for business.

Social Media Time Out- Even though you are all excited about your trip, resist the urge to post about leaving for your trip, where you are going, photos when you are on the trip, etc.  If you want to share your experiences and memories, wait until you are back home to do so.

Lastly, always let a trusted neighbor know your plans. That way they can keep an eye on your home and know when to expect you home in the event there is an emergency on the road or at home while you are away.

Have a wonderful, safe holiday season!

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