Health experts are telling people to avoid family gatherings for the holidays this year because of surges in COVID-19 cases and deaths. States are breaking records as of late, so folks might find it in their best interest to heed the advice. 

Still, some families will get together for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. To each their own, but if San Francisco people are going to those reunions, they should practice social distancing, wear masks, and regularly wash their hands. The novel coronavirus is a topic for another day, though.

This article will focus on what can happen to residential properties when they are left alone. We will also discuss several tips that San Francisco homeowners can use to keep issues at bay. When houses are empty and do not show any signs of people being home, they can become burglars' targets. The criminals take valuables, Christmas presents, and anything else that is not bolted down. Sometimes, they even trash the place during the process. People then return after their trips to loved ones' homes, only to find their own in disarray.

Such mishaps may be avoided if CA homeowners take certain measures before they leave. Hence, if you are headed out of town for the holidays, check out these suggestions ahead of packing up and taking off. Following them could save you headaches and grief in the long run.

Do All Of Your Window And Door Locks Function Properly?

Research shows that many burglars enter homes through unlocked doors or windows. Those elaborate schemes people see on TV are not usually part of the equation. Therefore, before any holiday traveling occurs, homeowners should check to make sure their window and door locks are in good shape and functioning correctly. If they are damaged or faulty, they should be repaired or replaced. This will help people keep thieves outside where they belong.

Do Not Forget To Stop The Mail

Full and overflowing mailboxes tell burglars that nobody has been home for a while. They take one look at all the letters and packages and decide to break in because if no one is there, there is a good chance that they will not get caught. So contact the post office and stop mail deliveries before leaving for your trip. It is easy enough to start them back up after you return, and hopefully, this action will prevent your holidays from getting ruined by thieves.

Keep Criminals At Bay With Security Cameras

Surveillance cameras deter trespassers, burglars, and vandals. Many criminals avoid breaking into houses with those devices because they do not want to have their faces, tattoos, scars, or license plates captured on video. Such footage could cause them to be identified and arrested. Homeowners can invest in security cameras ahead of the holidays to help keep criminals at bay. Not only are they deterrents, but they also give people peace of mind. Give us a call for all of your home security needs.