The holidays are here, election season is over, and everyone is eager to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fun and festivities with friends and family. For many, that means heading over the river and through the woods to grandma’s, cruising down the coast to the beach, or enjoying a well-earned ski holiday in the Rockies. Wherever you’re going and whatever your plans, it’s important to remember that while you’re getting ready for fun and frivolity, criminals are making plans to go to work and take advantage of your hard work.
Before you finalize your travel and holiday plans, make sure your plans include securing your castle from those who would gladly steal packages from the porch, unlock a door, or break a window. Preparing your home before you leave will help preserve your peace of mind and make it easier to rest and relax for the duration of your vacation.
Home Safety While Away
It’s estimated that around 80 million were expected to travel for Thanksgiving. That number is likely to go up for Christmas. These numbers mean that tens of millions of homes will be empty during the holidays, and it makes any home that is empty a perfect target for thieves.
Start by notifying a friendly (and trustworthy!) neighbor of your travel plans. Let them know when you’ll be away, how they can reach you, and whether there’s any specific threat you want them to watch.
It’s also a cost-effective investment to purchase a Smart Home Security System. Google Nest, Amazon Ring, and many others offer exceptional protection at an affordable price. These systems incorporate cameras, sensors, and other technologies that allow you to monitor and control access to your home from anywhere you have a WiFi connection. Moreover, once installed these systems will provide year-round protection. Plus, many homeowners’ insurance policies offer discounts for their installation which adds up quickly and significantly reduces the cost of the investment.
Discourage “Porch Pirates”
Porch pirates are a growing problem in the US. Over the past year, it’s estimated that 58 million packages worth more than $12 billion were stolen. It’s a petty crime that isn’t so petty, and it’s not limited to affluent neighborhoods, although those make the prime target due to the fact the packages tend to contain higher value items.
While there are many homemade remedies to deter porch pirates, the best way is to request packages be delivered to a neighbor or relative while you’re away. Criminals have gotten wise to “fake” security and will walk right past a fake security camera. If it’s not possible to have the package delivered elsewhere, contact the shipper and ask them to delay shipment until you’ll be home to receive the package. Remember, it’s better for Santa to arrive a few days late than not come at all.
Implement Other Smart Home Gear
Smart Home technologies are becoming ubiquitous, and it’s never been easier to incorporate a broad range of devices into your home’s Apple Homekit, Google, or Amazon ecosystem. Installing smart plugs, Kasa Apple HomeKit Smart Dimmer Switch KS220, lights, speakers such as the Google Nest Home Mini and Nest hubs, allow you to turn lights on/off, operate electronics, control your HVAC system, and generally create the illusion that the home is occupied.
…And Don’t Forget the Basics
There are of course the tried and trusted ways to protect your home you shouldn’t neglect. Keep your travel plans and pictures off social media, and make sure your doors and windows are locked with a reliable lock. And, if you should decide that now is the time to treat yourself to a new home, give us a call. We can help you navigate your way to the best interest rate and loan options so that next year you can celebrate the holidays in the home of your dreams.
