Holiday Security and Safety
Extra Security and Safety during the holidays
It’s all over the news this time of year and it’s something that can easily be avoided by taking extra precautions this year with your home and your personal security. Its sad but true that the holidays bring out the worst in some people. Whether it’s greed or desperation, home break-ins sky rocket during the holidays. People are traveling more, buying valuable presents and storing them in their homes. Predators are just waiting to break into your home and steal whatever they can find, sometimes even presents under the tree.
Vacant homes this time of year also suffer vandalism, break-ins and the all so troubling squatter problem we see in the Portland metro area year round. Vacant homes are just too tempting. Sometimes they are boarded up, lights and water have been shut off, but that won’t deter someone who is desperate for a roof over their head or a “warmer” place to sleep other than in an alley or a downtown park. Same can go for your occupied home if you are gone for long periods of time. You’d be surprised at how bold and unwavering a desperate criminal can be when they have nothing left to lose.
Of course, selling your vacant home would be a solution to a lot of your problems, and if you are contemplating that choice please give us a call and see what we can do for you, but if it’s not the right time, please make sure you take these extra precautions this holiday season not only for your security, but for the safety of your family.
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
- Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
- If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
- Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
