Tips to Secure Your Home for the Holidays

The winter holidays are a great time to have fun and spend time with family. For some families, unfortunately, the holidays are ruined by thieves or fire. Many thieves take advantage of people shopping or traveling for the holidays, so it is important to take extra steps to secure your home. Holiday decorations can also create fire hazards if you are not careful.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that candle fires are almost three times as likely to happen in December. More than half of home candle fires are caused by people holding a flammable object too close to a candle. Although Christmas tree fires are somewhat rare, they are far deadlier than other fires. One in every 40 reported Christmas tree fires results in a death, according to the Fire Administration.

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your home and your loved ones this holiday season.

You should always lock your doors and windows, but it is especially important to remember this during the holidays. It only takes a few seconds for a burglar to enter your home.

Make it seem like your house is occupied. Have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail if you plan to leave for an extended period of time.

Use an automatic timer for indoor and outdoor lights and have your television or radio turned on so it looks and sounds like someone is home.

Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.

Keep doors and passageways inside the home when setting up decorations.

Have your Christmas tree mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly family members or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves. Also, place your tree in water or wet sand to keep it green because dead trees can create fire hazards.

Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire, so check your holiday light strands for any damaged wires.

Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Do not place candles near curtains, tablecloths, plants or other flammable objects. Candles should only be placed on steady tables or surfaces and never left unattended.

Adults should always provide supervision when children light candles, while young children should never have access to candles.

Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.

Criminals may take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes when no charity is involved.

Ask for the person’s identification and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.

Adapted from the LAPD and LAFD.