Christmas is such a fun and joyous time of year. Festive lights are strung throughout the house and gifts are thoughtfully being bought for family and friends. However, Christmas can easily turn into a time you’d rather forget if you don’t take home security seriously. The amount of home insurance claims rocket in January due to burglaries or fires in the home in December and, to make sure you’re not one of those people, here are some home security tips you can’t afford to ignore this Christmas.  

Make Your Home Appear Lived In

If you’re going away for an extended amount of time, things like newspaper and milk deliveries can easily give away the fact that you’re not at home. Take time before you go away to make sure that you’ve cancelled or postponed any deliveries and you’ve kindly asked a neighbour or family member if they can put your bins out on collection day. There might not be any rubbish in the bins but it gives the illusion that you’re around. Simple things like putting a timer on your lights can also deter potential opportunists from breaking in.

Don’t Mention You’re Away On Social Media

Not only does this give a clear signal to people that you’re away over Christmas but it could also invalidate your home insurance. Simple things like checking in on Facebook, posting a photo on Instagram or getting tagged in a status could potentially cause a lot of hassle. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t brag about your Christmas break on social media but just be aware of how obvious it makes it to other people that you’re not at home.  

Check The Validity Of Your Home and Contents Insurance

It’s always worth checking if your home insurance and contents insurance covers you for the length of time you’re going to be away for. If you’re away for a month, it could potentially make your home insurance invalid. Some insurers can increase cover for a certain period at no extra cost so that’s definitely worth checking out.  

Keep Your Windows And Doors Secure

Are you sure you’ve got all the keys for your property? If you don’t know, it could be worth double checking or changing the locks on the doors for the sake of your home security. Windows, including the ones right at the top of your house, have to be closed and locked if possible as these are easy entry points for anyone looking to get into your home.  

Make The Front Of Your Home Well Lit

No one who wants to get caught would try breaking into a house with a well-lit front. Install security lights that react to movement so they come on when someone passes by. Yes, the security light might react to a cat during the night but at least you know it’s working and will act as a deterrent for anyone that may have an eye on your Christmas presents.

Keep Christmas Presents Out Of Sight

It’s normal to want to put Christmas presents under the tree, it can make your home look extra festive and it gets everyone excited for the big day. However, those gifts could end up being easy pickings for anyone that fancies their chances at a free Christmas. And, because contents insurance might not cover things like Christmas presents, make sure you’re not flashing your hard-earned gifts to any unwanted visitors.  

Check Your Alarm Is Working

We never think it could happen to us but a burglary or fire could happen to anyone so it’s definitely worth checking to see if your home alarm and fire alarm is working. Not only is there a higher risk of a break in at Christmas but there’s also a higher risk of a fire as well with all the extra Christmas lights in your home. Having home alarms that work will also help if you do need to claim on your home insurance and, not to put a big black cloud over everyone, but your home alarm could potentially save your life.  

Get CCTV Systems Installed

You might think this is a little extreme but having a CCTV system installed in your home could help hugely if you’ve been burgled. It’ll help identify anyone around your property and for a bit of Christmas fun, young family members might love to keep an eye out for Santa on Christmas Eve… Do you have any more tips on how to keep your home secure this Christmas?