Holly Jolly Home Safety: Home Safety Tips For the Holidays

Welcome to the festive season, a time of joy, celebration, and, unfortunately, heightened home security risks. 

According to recent statistics, incidents of break-ins spike by 20% during this time. 

That’s why we’ve put together 22 essential home safety tips for the holidays to prepare you to protect your home and your loved ones during this merry but vulnerable season.

General Home Safety Tips

1. Secure Doors and Windows

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to take home security to the next level. 

Conduct a comprehensive check of all doors and windows. Make sure that every lock is securely locked and there are no vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Take the time to follow these three simple steps, you can fortify your doors and windows and keep your home safe and secure:

• Upgrade your door locks to high-quality deadbolts for added security. Ensure they meet industry standards and are installed correctly to maximize effectiveness.
• Window locks are an essential deterrent against potential intruders. Install locks on all accessible windows to prevent unauthorized entry. Choose locks that are durable and tamper-resistant.
• Sliding doors are vulnerable points of entry. Reinforce them by installing a bar or rod in the track to prevent forced opening. Additionally, consider placing a wooden dowel on the track for an extra layer of security.

2. Light Up Your Home

One effective way to deter burglars is strategically lighting your property. 

Lighting strategies will not only increase the security of your home but also create a pleasant atmosphere. 

Don’t let potential threats dampen your holiday spirit – implement these two tips to keep potential threats at bay:

• A well-lit exterior is a powerful deterrent to burglars. Install motion-activated lights near entrances, pathways, and dark corners. Adequate outdoor lighting reduces hiding spots and increases the visibility of your property.
• Create the illusion of an occupied home by using timers for indoor lights. Set timers to mimic your daily routines, such as turning lights on in the evening and off at bedtime. This technique adds an extra layer of security by giving the impression that someone is home, deterring potential intruders.

3. Invest in a Home Security System

Protect your home with a comprehensive security system and take proactive measures to ensure your home safety.

With the home security app, you can strengthen your home security against potential risks. 

Take your home’s security to the next level by incorporating the home security system. It’s easy to get started with these three simple steps:

• Secure your home this holiday season with a budget-friendly home security app. Get complete peace of mind with real-time surveillance that lets you monitor your home on your phone. With customizable alerts and notifications (for motion and sound), the ZoomOn app gives you an extra level of security.
• If your home security system includes alarms, ensure they are activated. Set them to trigger for unauthorized entry, unusual movements, or any suspicious activities. A loud alarm serves as a deterrent and notifies you and your neighbors of potential threats.
• Install surveillance cameras in strategic locations around your property. Visible cameras act as a deterrent, while hidden cameras provide discreet monitoring. Regularly check and maintain these cameras to ensure they function correctly.

4. Security of Electrical Outlets

Make sure your home is safe from electrical hazards caused by holiday decorations. Don’t let festivities turn into accidents. 

Implement these two safety tips to ensure the security of electrical devices:

• Avoid overloading outlets with plenty of holiday decorations. Distribute your decorations across multiple outlets to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of electrical fires. Pay special attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines for each device.
• Use power strips with surge protection to protect your electronic devices and prevent potential damage from power surges. These power strips act as a barrier, absorbing excess voltage and providing an added layer of protection against electrical mishaps.

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

5. Check Holiday Lights

Don’t let electrical hazards dampen your holiday cheer! Before decking your halls, ensure the safety of your holiday lights by conducting a thorough inspection. 

By taking the time to inspect and maintain your lights, you can ensure a festive and well-lit atmosphere while keeping potential risks at bay. 

Implement these two tips and enjoy your holidays without any worries:

• Carefully inspect each string of lights for any signs of wear and tear. Check for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or exposed connections. Any compromised wiring poses a significant fire hazard and should be addressed immediately.
• If you discover any burnt-out or malfunctioning bulbs, replace them promptly with bulbs of the same wattage and type recommended by the manufacturer. Ignoring faulty bulbs can lead to overheating and increase the risk of fire.

6. Be Cautious with Candles

Candles can add the perfect touch of warmth and ambiance to holiday celebrations. 

However, it’s important to practice caution and prevent fire hazards. 

Follow these three safety tips to enjoy the beauty of candles without the risk of fire hazards:

• Place candles in stable holders, ensuring they are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Choose holders made of non-flammable materials like glass or metal. This prevents accidental spills and reduces the risk of fire.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, drapes, decorations, etc. Keep a minimum distance of at least a foot to prevent accidental ignition. This preventive measure reduces the risk of a fire spreading.
• Never leave candles burning unattended when you’re not in the room or before going to bed. Always blow out candles before leaving the house or when you are no longer near them. Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.

7. Choose Safe Decorations

When decorating your home for the holidays, pay attention to safety and choose your decorations carefully. 

Including fire-safe decorations and placing them thoughtfully will ensure a safe and joyous holiday season. 

Take these two simple steps to ensure a festive home without risking safety:

• Choose decorations labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant. This ensures that in the event of contact with an open flame, the decorations will not ignite easily, reducing the risk of a fire spreading.
• Position decorations, especially those made of flammable materials, at a safe distance from heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, or candles. Prevent direct exposure to heat and minimize the possibility of decorations catching fire.

Traveling Home Safety 

8. Secure Your Home Before Leaving

Before you embark on your holiday travels, ensure your home is secure with these three simple steps: 

• Check all entry points thoroughly before leaving. Lock all doors and windows to prevent unauthorized access. Double-check each lock to ensure they are secure and functioning properly.
• If your home is equipped with a security system, activate alarms before leaving. Make sure all sensors and alarms are working. A well-functioning alarm system is a powerful deterrent to potential intruders.
• Inform a reliable neighbor or friend about your travel plans. Provide them with a spare key and emergency contact information. Having a trusted person keeping an eye on your home can deter criminals and ensure a quick response in case of any issues.

9. Avoid Social Media Over-sharing

In today’s world of social media, it is important to take necessary measures to protect your home while you are away. 

Avoid sharing your travel plans on social media platforms, as it may unintentionally inform burglars that your home is vacant during the holiday season. 

You can follow these two travel safety tips to keep your home safe:

• Don’t post your travel plans on the internet. Posting your absence makes your home a potential target for burglars. Save the sharing for after you return.
• If you feel the need to share your holiday adventures, do so privately with a select group of friends and family. Use private messaging or share within a closed group to ensure your updates reach only those you trust.

10. Have a Trusted Contact

If you’re heading out of town for a vacation, it’s always a good idea to have someone you trust to look out for your home while you’re away. 

Consider asking a friendly neighbor or reliable friend to be your point of contact – this can give you added peace of mind knowing someone is keeping an eye out. 

Just follow these three simple steps to create security for your home while you’re away:

• Share a spare key with a trustworthy neighbor or friend who can assist in case of emergencies. This ensures quick access to your home if needed, such as during unexpected events or if repairs are required.
• Keep your trusted contact informed about your travel itinerary. Share details of your departure and return dates, as well as any planned activities. This information allows them to monitor your home more effectively and raises awareness of any irregularities.
• Share your contact information, including a reachable phone number, so your trusted contact can reach you if necessary. In case of an emergency, having direct communication helps address issues promptly.

Conclusion

As we enjoy the holidays, we need to keep our homes safe. 

We need to be proactive with all the travel, decorations, and potential burglaries. Being watchful can make a big difference in ensuring a safe and happy holiday season. 

We can secure our homes by locking doors and windows and using fire-safe decorations. Home security apps like ZoomOn can also help by providing surveillance and alerts.

Don’t let the festive season put your home at risk. Protect your home with these 22 crucial safety tips that are specifically tailored for the holiday season:

1. Install sturdy locks and deadbolts.
2. Use window locks and reinforce sliding doors.
3. Conduct a thorough check before leaving home.
4. Ensure adequate outdoor lighting to deter burglars.
5. Use interior lighting timers to create the illusion of an inhabited house.
6. Install a comprehensive home security system.
7. Activate alarms and surveillance cameras for added protection.
8. Avoid overloading outlets with holiday decorations.
9. Use power strips with surge protection.
10. Check lights for frayed wires and damaged sockets.
11. Replace any faulty bulbs promptly.
12. Keep candles in stable holders away from flammable materials.
13. Never leave candles unattended.
14. Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.
15. Keep decorations away from heat sources.
16. Traveling Home Safety: Lock all doors and windows.
17. Traveling Home Safety: Set alarms.
18. Traveling Home Safety: Inform a trusted neighbor.
19. Traveling Home Safety: Don’t post your travel plans on the internet.
20. Traveling Home Safety: Share vacation updates privately.
21. Traveling Home Safety: Provide a key to a neighbor or friend for emergency situations.
22. Traveling Home Safety: Share your travel itinerary and contact information.

Share these tips with friends and family to create a collective commitment to safety. Let’s make this holiday season a time of warmth, joy, and, above all, security.

FAQ: Home Safety Tips For the Holidays