Keeping Your Home Safe During the Holidays

Pictures of snow-clad Currier-and-Ives scenes bring to mind visions of the perfect holiday. But in reality, many families experience anything but peace and joy. Because holiday crime normally rises sharply in November and December, preparing for your usual holiday routine should now include more than just trimming the tree. If you start today, you can also incorporate some simple steps that will ensure you, your family and your home remain safe for the holidays.

The Lights Are On, But Nobody's Home

Most families who use home security alarms don't realize that this season causes changes in our schedules and behaviors that might invite criminals to our homes. Without thinking, family members send dangerous signals to robbers.

For example, most families only operate their Christmas tree lights when at home. When you turn the lights off, you are giving a direct indication to robbers that you are sleeping or away. Even families that are protected by home security alarm systems don't want to blatantly provide this information. Rather than announcing your presence to criminals, invest in a timer that can randomly turn your Christmas tree (and outdoor holiday lights) on or off.

Keep Up Your Routine

Burglars are counting on the fact that, during the holidays, families that use home security alarms alter their security routines. Because Aunt Essie is staying with you, you might choose not to enable the burglar alarm at night, so as not to startle her if she opens a door or window during the night. Or, if Cousin Fred will be coming home after you are asleep, you might leave the alarm off rather than explaining to Fred how to deactivate and reactivate it.

These are opportunities criminals look for. It may be a little extra trouble, but if at all possible, keep up your security routine, even if guests are staying with you.

Protection For Outside Your Home

Presents are supposed to be surprises. Lots of moms and dads face a challenge every year of finding new places to stash the goods, so little ones can't find them. The trunk of a car has become a popular hiding place. While your kids and spouse might not think to look there, criminals will!

Unfortunately, cars and other vehicles cannot receive protection from home security alarms. That means your car is susceptible to burglary, along with the presents you hide in it. If you have an auto alarm, turn it on. You'll also want to lock your doors for added safety measures.

In addition, when ordering gifts online or through a catalog, be sure to leave instructions requesting that the delivery service leave the packages out of sight. Perhaps boxes could be placed on your back porch rather than your front porch or left at a neighbor's house who is home during the day. Most retailers have the ability to accept special delivery instructions. Take advantage of that benefit if you can.

During the upcoming holidays, pay extra attention to your surroundings then stop and consider whether your routines will give clues to criminals about your whereabouts. With a little added attention to detail, you and your family can have a safe and happy holiday season.

About the author: Jill Steele works for Monitronics, one of the largest home alarm system monitoring companies in the US. Monitronics offers protection against emergencies with state-of-the-art home security alarm systems and monitoring services. Visit them online today at .