With the holidays upon us, so it’s important to take the time to make sure that you and your family stay safe.  Most families do a lot of travelling over the Christmas break; whether it is for just the day or an extended period of time, an empty home is a perfect target for thieves. Here are a few tips to help keep your family and your Shelburne home safe over the holidays.

Real Tree or Fake Tree – Let’s start with keeping your family safe.  A real tree or a fake tree is usually the question that some families struggle with each year.  If you have chosen a real tree for Christmas, make sure it is hydrated.  Having a dry Christmas tree doesn’t only create a mess of needles all over the floor for you to step on but it is also a fire hazard.

Candles – For those who enjoy burning candles like many of us do, especially the seasonal ones that smell so good, don’t leave them unattended.  Make sure candles have space around them so they won’t get bumped or tipped.  Before leaving the room, make sure the candle is completely out.

Travelling – Are you planning on travelling this holiday season?  If you are planning on being away for an extended period of time, DO NOT post it on social media.  Most people like to share their vacations with family and friends through facebook or other social media outlets; but, try and do this when you get home instead of while you are gone.  This is like putting a big target on your front door for thieves.

Notify a Neighbour – Notify a trusted neighbour that you will be away so they may keep an eye your home while you are gone.  Offer them the use of  the laneway if they need more space; who knows they may even help keep it cleared until you return home.  This will help make it look like someone is home.  You may also want to ask them to pick up your mail so your mailbox isn’t overflowing, giving thieves the indication that there is no one home.

Lock all Door and Windows – Make sure to lock all doors and windows and close the garage door.  Nothing like saying, “come on in” with leaving your door unlocked for anyone to open.  If available, make sure to set your security alarm for added protection.

Hide Valuables – Make sure that valuables are not visible from the outside.  Be sure to put valuables in a safe location out of sight lines and close the curtains or blinds.  Thieves can’t have what they don’t see.

Deliveries – If you expecting deliveries while you are gone, make arrangements to have a signature confirmation to leave the package or have a trusted neighbour pick it up to avoid having in stolen.

Lights – Set timers for lights to turn on and leave the outside light on to make it look as if someone is home.  If you don’t have timers; maybe while checking on the house, your trusted neighbour could go in and change which light is on.

Keeping our families and homes safe are top priority, especially over the holiday season.  Use these tips when you are planning to travel, whether it is during the Christmas break or not.  Thieves work all year long like the rest of us.  Enjoy spending time with loved ones this holiday season and stay safe!