Protect Your Home During The Holidays

The holidays are upon us and we’ll no doubt be spending time shopping, getting together with family and friends and probably eating more than we should.

This also means more time away from home, sometimes for days or even weeks. The holidays can be prime time for break-ins. But there are steps you can take to protect your home and valuables and maybe even yourself.

• If you have trustworthy neighbors let them know that you’ll be leaving and give them contact information so they can reach you if possible.
• Ask them to collect your mail and newspapers or have them stopped temporarily.
• Make your home looked lived in. Hire a snow removal company (or even a family friend) to shovel your walk and driveway in case of snow.
• Set timers to turn off lights here and there. You may even set timers on televisions for that “flicker” effect to create movement.
• Use motion detectors around doors and darker parts of your home’s exterior.
• If you plan to install a security system give yourself time to learn the ins and outs so it’s not going off by accident while you’re away.
• Unplug your garage door openers and ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway.
• Keep shrubbery trimmed and away from doors and windows to eliminate any potential hiding areas.
• Don’t broadcast your travel plans. Avoid posting on Facebook or other social media sites and don’t leave a message on your home answering machine that says you’re away. Post your travel and holiday pics when you’re safely back home.

Protecting your home and property can prevent a major holiday disappointment when you return. With a few easy steps you can keep criminals at bay and then your only problem may be where to put all your new holiday gifts.
If your garage door has seen better days and is easily accessible call the garage door experts at Raynor Garage Doors of Kansas City. We can schedule a visit to give your doors an inspection and make any repairs to make them more secure. Or if you want an early Christmas present we can help you select garage doors that increase your curb appeal as well as make your home a little safer.