Home Security Tips

Many people travel during the holiday season.  Here are some home security tips you may want to consider before you leave town.

    

Install Strong Locks

It is advisable to install deadbolt locks on doors and windows. Intruders commonly enter homes through poorly secured doors or windows. A weak lock is easy to pick, and will break easily if the door is kicked.

Stop Your Mail

Halt delivery of your mail and newspaper, as a yard full of newspapers and an overflowing mailbox attract intruders. 

Don't Broadcast

If we've learned anything in the last decade, it's that the internet does not discriminate by intention. Don't mention all of your travel plans on the internet.   

Be Original

When you hide your house key in an obvious place, you may be reducing your inconvenience in the case that you lock yourself out, but you're increasing the chance you'll find yourself in the much more inconvenient position of being robbed.The safest place for a spare key is with a trustworthy neighbor or two.

Light the Night

Get a timer and set the lights to go on at a certain time in the morning and off at a certain time at night. That way, it'll be harder to tell when you're gone, whether you're on a trip or just working late.

Lighting and Tree Safety   

 

 Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches.

The trunk should be sticky to the touch.  

 

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source.  The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.  Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

 

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

 

Wrapping Paper Disposal

Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace.  This can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

 

Do not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three tree lights, unless the directions indicate it is safe.  Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.  Periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.

 

Avoid Using Lit Candles

Consider using battery-powered flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.

 

 

Holiday Fun Facts