With the holidays approaching, we want to do everything in our power as homeowners to ensure that our property is well protected when we are there and when we are away. For this reason, you may consider upping your home security during the holidays to accomplish just that.

Don't Announce Travel Plans

This has been said numerous times over the year and is often repeated around this time of the year, but it still rings true. Never announce your travel plans on social media. If you plan on traveling or will be away from the home, do not let people know when you will be leaving or returning. This gives them the perfect opportunity to break into the home, knowing you won't be there.

Talk with the Neighbors

It also never hurts to become friendly with your neighbors. They can be your eyes and ears while you are away and vice versa. Find a trusted neighbor and let them know if you will be away during the holidays. This way, they can keep an eye on the home and contact you and the authorities if they witness anything suspicious.

Hide Packages

Now is also the time of year when more and more people are receiving deliveries at their home. While it isn't always possible to hide these packages, you can still take precautions. For example, doorbell cameras are good to have. You will be alerted when someone is at the front door, so you will know when a package is dropped off, and you will also be alerted if someone else arrives to take it.

You can also choose to have packages delivered when you know you will be home. They can also be delivered to a trusted friend or neighbor that you know will be around to eliminate the worry that comes with packages sitting unattended outside.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is also important as many people use Christmas lights and other holiday decorations outside. The US Fire Administration has even said that December is the deadliest month for electrical fires. So, before hanging any lights for any holiday, inspect everything thoroughly. Make sure there are no frayed or damaged wires or broken lamps or cords. Also, turn everything off when you leave the home or before you go to bed.

You also need to have your smoke alarms, and other heating elements in the home inspected to ensure that they are working properly. Clean out air ducts, check the batteries on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and if you have a chimney, make sure it is cleaned out.

By following this helpful advice, you can look forward to a much safer holiday season. For more information on outdoor lighting, security, and fire protection for the home, don't hesitate to contact your local security experts as you prepare for another hectic season. Many of the modern home security systems now integrate several aspects of home safety and security to make each system easier to manage.