The holiday season is a time for celebration, travel, and gathering with loved ones—but it’s also a season that can present unique challenges for home safety. Whether you’re staying cozy at home, hosting festive gatherings, or heading out of town, taking steps to secure your property and loved ones is essential. Here are some key strategies to keep your home safe and sound this holiday season, from enhancing security measures to preventing common hazards and safeguarding high-value items. With these tips, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on what matters most: making holiday memories.
Holiday Home Security Essentials
Keeping your home secure during the holidays starts with a few simple upgrades. Smart home devices like smart locks, doorbell cameras, and motion-sensor lights let you monitor your property remotely and stay connected even when you’re away. Reinforcing entry points is another essential step—upgrade to sturdy locks, double-check that all windows are latched, and use dowels or rods to secure sliding glass doors. Finally, set timers for indoor and outdoor lights, including your holiday decorations, to create the impression that someone’s always home. These small adjustments can make a big difference in protecting your home and giving you peace of mind.
Protecting Your Property While Traveling
When heading out of town for the holidays, making your home look lived-in is one of the best ways to deter potential intruders. Pause mail and package deliveries through your local postal service or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them so they don’t pile up. If possible, park a car in your driveway or arrange for a neighbor to use it while you’re away—it’s a simple trick that adds an extra layer of security. Be cautious about sharing travel plans online. While posting your holiday itinerary might seem harmless, it can unintentionally alert others to your empty home—an especially important reminder for military families mindful of operational security. Finally, reach out to your local network. A neighbor or friend who can keep an eye on your property offers peace of mind and an extra layer of protection while you're away.
Fire Safety and Holiday Hazards
The holidays bring plenty of cheer, but they also come with fire risks that every homeowner should keep in mind. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 160 home fires each year in the U.S. are caused by Christmas tree-related incidents, and approximately 770 home fires annually are started by holiday decorations (excluding Christmas trees). Avoid overloading outlets with your festive light displays by using surge protectors and distributing the load across multiple outlets. Keep your Christmas tree a safe distance from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources to reduce the risk of accidental fires. For candles, opt for flameless versions to create a cozy atmosphere without worry—or if you prefer traditional candles, never leave them unattended. Schedule an inspection for your heating system and fireplace before the winter weather hits to avoid costly emergency service call fees. Lastly, double-check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working by testing and replacing their batteries. These small steps can help keep your holiday season safe and stress-free.
Safeguard High-Value Items
New treasures come in and out of your home over the holidays, making it even more important to safeguard high-value items. Start by keeping gifts out of sight—store wrapped presents away from windows where they could tempt potential burglars. For valuable items like jewelry, important documents, or heirlooms, invest in a fireproof and theft-proof safe to keep them secure. Finally, take a few minutes to record the serial numbers of electronics and other expensive items. This simple step can be a lifesaver if you need to file an insurance claim or provide information to authorities. With these precautions, you can enjoy your holiday celebrations worry-free.
Holiday Hosting Safety Tips
Hosting holiday gatherings is a wonderful way to celebrate, but it’s important to keep safety in mind while welcoming guests. Start by securing outdoor areas—clear icy walkways, add salt to slippery spots, and ensure entryways are well-lit to prevent accidents. Tighten up loose handrails. Inside, take a walk through your home and consider visitors with mobility issues. Check for any tripping hazards like rugs or obstructed paths. Be mindful of unfamiliar individuals who might accompany guests and consider securing rooms with valuables to avoid any mishaps. When it comes to key access, play it safe. Rather than handing out physical keys to service providers or temporary guests, opt for smart locks or temporary access codes that you can easily manage.
As the holidays approach, taking a few proactive steps to secure your home can make all the difference—not just in protecting your property but in allowing you to enjoy a stress-free season with your loved ones. Whether you're staying in, hosting guests, or traveling, a little preparation goes a long way toward peace of mind. At the JR Group, we’re proud to support our community by offering not only real estate expertise but also practical advice to help you protect your investment. If you need recommendations for trusted local security providers or home maintenance services, we’re here to help. Wishing you a safe, joyous, and memorable holiday season!
