Home Safety During the Holidays
Heard the news reports and internet stories of holiday thefts and break in's on the rise? We know we've chosen the Winchester and the North of Boston area for our great schools and safe neighborhoods, however at this time of year it's better to not be a holiday statistic and be safe!
Here are 5 basic tips to think about this season:
1. Expecting packages to be delivered? Sadly, we've all heard the stories that people have been following the UPS delivery trucks, watching what is put at the doors and stealing deliveries. If you are expecting any packages to be delivered and you can't be home to check on deliveries, ask a neighbor to keep an eye out and pick it up for you. If you have sent items to other people, track your packages & deliveries. You can either track it yourself or give the tracking link to the receipient to remind them to look out.
2. If you can see your tree or holiday presents through a window, so can everyone else. Don't place a huge display of all the presents out where people can easily see your tree through a door or window. When a break in does occur, it happens quickly.
3. Holiday Trash can be overwhelming... but make sure that the boxes from expensive gifts are broken down and hidden amongst the other trash or recycling items. We all have seen the neighbor that receives the new TV, because the new TV box is at the curb. Unfortunately, so do people that are checking out neighborhoods for potential break-ins.
4. Don't get lazy with setting the alarm on your home if you have one. You have it for a reason, it is just as easy to tell your family members and guests that stay over what the alarm code is and show them HOW to set the alarm if people are coming and going at different times during the day. Better safe than sorry. By setting your alarm, it will actually remind you if one of your other doors is left open.
5. Holiday lights both indoor and outdoor should be on a timer! It's an oldy but goody.
These are just a few basic tips of additional home safety during the holidays. The old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure goes a long way!
Enjoy a safe holiday season with your families and friends.
The Andersen Team
