Winter Home Security Checklist: 13 Things to Do Before Temperatures Drop

As the colder months creep closer, most of us start thinking about cozy blankets, holiday plans, and maybe the first snowfall of the season.

But early winter is also the perfect time to give your home security a little attention. Before temperatures drop and the days get noticeably shorter, making a few smart preparations can go a long way.

Winter tends to bring unique challenges – long, dark evenings, holiday travel, storm-related power outages, and delivery traffic. All of these can affect your home’s safety. That’s why tackling a clear winter home security checklist right now helps you stay ahead of the season instead of scrambling mid-winter.

Below you’ll find 13 practical tips and hacks to get your home ready for winter, backed by a few interesting U.S. facts you might not expect. Let’s jump in!

Your Winter Home Security Checklist: 13 Tasks to Tackle Early

1. Test and winterize all exterior lighting

Winter months bring earlier sunsets. Good lighting is one of the strongest deterrents against break-ins. Clean fixtures, replace bulbs, and add motion sensors where visibility is low.

💡 Interesting U.S. fact:
According to several crime prevention agencies, over 60% of burglars avoid homes with strong exterior lighting, especially during the darker winter season.

2. Inspect and secure all entry points

Take time to look over every door and window, making sure latches, locks, and weather-stripping are in good condition. Upgrading locks or reinforcing the strike plate can add meaningful protection. With winter’s earlier sunsets, intruders have more shadows to work with — making solid entry security even more important.

3. Trim shrubs and clear sight lines

Overgrown shrubs or low-hanging branches around windows and doors can give someone an easy place to hide. Give everything a good trim before the snow shows up –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ clear sight lines not only boost security but also keep your place looking tidy and cared for.

4. Prepare for increased package deliveries

Winter holiday shopping brings a boost in doorstep deliveries –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and a higher chance of porch theft. Create a designated spot for packages, request signature confirmation for high-value items, or give carriers clear instructions to leave parcels in a more concealed or secure area.

💡 Interesting U.S. fact:
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans experiences package theft during the November–January window, making it one of the riskiest times of the year for unattended deliveries.

5. Check your alarm system and sensors

Go through your system piece by piece: batteries, WiFi connectivity, sensor placement, and alert settings. Cold weather and dry air can sometimes cause electronics to behave unpredictably, so pre-season checks are worth the time.

6. Review indoor monitoring setups you already use

If you have a secondary monitoring method – like an older device used indoors – make sure it’s still plugged in, positioned correctly, and connected to your home network. A quick tune-up improves winter reliability.

7. Clear gutters and drains

Blocked gutters can lead to ice dams, leaks, and water damage that can weaken parts of your home. If ice compromises a door frame, window, or roof edge, it may later become an unintended entry point.

▶️ Watch how to deep clean clogged gutters:

8. Add light timers or smart plugs

If you travel during the holidays or often return home after dark, setting timers on lamps or small appliances can make your house look occupied. It’s an easy hack, but surprisingly effective at deterring opportunistic intruders.

9. Winterize windows and sliding doors

Insulating film, storm windows, and draft blockers do more than keep heat in – they reduce rattling, accidental gaps, and weakened seals that could be exploited. This step also lowers energy bills, a bonus in cold months.

10. Prepare for storms and power outages

Having backup lighting and ensuring your security systems can operate through an outage is essential. Keep flashlights accessible and, if possible, maintain at least one charged portable battery.

💡 Interesting U.S. fact:
Winter storms are among the leading causes of power outages nationwide, often lasting longer than outages during other seasons.

11. Keep valuables out of view

The holiday season means more packages, gifts, and expensive electronics in your home for a while. Store them away from windows and avoid leaving packaging (like TV or laptop boxes) at the curb.

▶️ Check some genius hiding places around your home:

12. Secure garages and side buildings

Garages often contain tools or ladders that intruders may use to access your home. Ensure doors close fully, locks work in cold weather, and windows have coverings.

13. Strengthen your neighborhood communication

Winter storms slow response times, so having neighbors who can check on your home – or who you can check on – adds an extra layer of safety. A simple message group or neighborhood chat can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts: Heading Into Winter With Confidence

Getting ahead of winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a few thoughtful checks now will save time, money, and worry when the cold really sets in. Start with the basics on this winter home security checklist, tackle one or two items each weekend, and lean on neighbors or local services for the bigger jobs.

If you do just one thing this season, make it secure the entry points and keep your home well-lit –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ those two moves alone prevent a surprising number of incidents.

Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the season knowing you’ve done the work to keep your home secure!

FAQ: Keeping Your Home Secure in Winter

What needs to be winterized in a house?
Key areas include doors, windows, insulation, gutters, heating systems, and any vulnerable exterior points. Winterizing helps prevent heat loss, water damage, and structural weakening.

What are the three types of winterization?
Most experts group winterization into three main categories:

• Structural winterization: insulating your home, sealing drafts, and reinforcing vulnerable areas.
• System winterization: preparing plumbing, heating, and electrical systems for cold weather.
• Security winterization: improving lighting, strengthening locks, and ensuring your home stays protected during long winter nights.

▶️ Learn more about winterizing your home:

Do more burglaries happen in winter?
Yes! Winter brings long nights, holiday travel, and homes left empty more often. Many U.S. reports note a seasonal increase in break-ins during late fall and winter.

Can security cameras be damaged by cold?
Extreme cold, condensation, or ice can impact battery life and electronics. Security cameras placed outside need weather-appropriate ratings and some shelter from the elements.

How to keep security cameras warm in winter?
Place cameras under eaves, use weather housings, avoid extreme wind exposure, and run cables indoors when possible. If it’s battery-powered, try positioning it so the device stays slightly warmer.