Protecting your home this festive season: helpful tips for homeowners

The festive season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and relaxation, but it also comes with increased risks for homeowners. Travel plans, holiday decorations, and valuable gifts can make homes more vulnerable to burglaries, accidents, and safety hazards.

From an insurance perspective, safeguarding your property provides peace of mind and helps avoid the potential stress and financial burden of claims.

 

Here are some helpful tips to keep your home secure and your holidays worry-free.

1_Enhance your lighting

Outside of your property, it’s sensible to install motion-sensor lights around your home’s perimeter. These are a good deterrent for intruders who prefer the cover of darkness.

Indoors, invest in and use timers or smart bulbs to simulate activity when you're not home. Set them to turn on and off at varying times in different rooms for added authenticity.

 

2_Secure doors and windows

It's also essential to check your property is properly locked before leaving your home. Ensure all entry points are secured with high-quality locks. Consider upgrading to deadbolts or adding sliding door locks and security bars for extra protection.

Also, remember to close the blinds or curtains when you go out. This helps to keep valuable items, such as holiday gifts or electronics, out of sight from outsiders.

 

3_Utilise smart technology

Visible security cameras or even decoys can discourage would-be burglars. Many modern systems let you monitor your home remotely via smartphone apps.

Smart Doorbells (devices like Ring or Nest) enable you to see and speak with visitors without opening the door, adding an extra layer of security and convenience. They're also useful for verifying who is at the door.

 

4_Be discreet about travel plans

It’s sensible to avoid announcing your travel plans online via social media. Wait until you return to share holiday photos. Criminals often monitor social media for information about empty homes.

Don’t forget to pause mail services or arrange for a trusted neighbour to collect packages while you're away. Where possible, you want to avoid packages piling up outside your property, signalling your absence.

Other precautions you can take to avoid an obvious build-up of post are:

• Install a special postal collection bag that attaches inside your letter box to catch all your post.


• Use a dark material or frosted vinyl sheets on any window panels in your main door to prevent people seeing your post.


• Attach a ‘no junk mail please’ plaque on or next to your letterbox. These can be purchased online and help to prevent a build up of unnecessary post and leaflets.

Also, to avoid package theft, monitor delivery schedules and ensure someone is home to receive the parcels you’re expecting. Alternatively, use secure delivery lockers or ask for packages to be left with a trusted neighbour.

 

5_Protect your gifts and valuables

While showcasing beautifully wrapped gifts is tempting, visible valuables can attract burglars. Keep them out of sight by storing them away securely, especially if travelling.

It helps to invest in a home safe, as this can protect items like jewellery, electronics, and important documents in a well-hidden, locked and anchored place.

 

6_Prepare for the unexpected – fire and electrical safety

The holidays increase fire risks due to candles, Christmas lights, and fireplaces. Always monitor lit candles, use surge protectors for decorations, and ensure your chimney is clean.

Also, avoid overloading power outlets with festive lighting. Instead, use high-quality extension cords with overload protection to minimise fire hazards. Make sure all internal festive lights are turned off when you’re not at home. If you really want them on while you’re out, use battery power-powered versions instead.

 

7_Engage your community

A vigilant neighbourhood is one of the best security measures. If you’re away, ask a trusted neighbour to check on your home, collect mail, bring back your wheelie bin/bins after the bin collection has been round, and/or report any suspicious activity while you're travelling.

Another helpful measure is to build relationships with neighbours and encourage a community watch.

 

8_Lock up outdoor items

It’s a good idea to secure all the tools and equipment on your premises. Don’t leave ladders, tools, or other items outside easily accessible, as they can aid burglars in gaining entry.

Also, do remember to protect all your outdoor valuables. Lock up bikes, grills, and other outdoor items to prevent theft.

 

9_Prepare emergency contacts

If you're going away, sharing your travel plans with a trusted person is a good idea. Inform a family member or friend of your travel itinerary and provide emergency contact information in case of any issues.

It’s also a good idea if that trusted person/family member checks in on your home if you’re due to be absent for a while. Don’t forget to keep the contact numbers for local police and fire services handy in case of emergencies.

 

Summary - protecting your home brings peace of mind

By implementing these safety measures, you can reduce risks to your home during the holidays. Additionally, review your home insurance policy to ensure it adequately covers potential incidents, from theft to fire damage.

A proactive approach safeguards your home and helps ensure a stress-free and joyous festive season for you and your loved ones.

 

Can we help?

Fidentia's private client specialists have an excellent track record in helping individuals and their families put in place the insurance they need for the festive season. If you feel your current policy needs to be reviewed, call us for an initial chat on tel: +44 20 3150 0080 or contact us via the website.