Think About Security 

Thieves and burglars do not take a holiday vacation; in fact, there is an uptick in thefts and incidents this time of year. People may be traveling, expensive gifts may be under the tree… it can make your home and family a target. To prevent this:

• Do not leave the boxes for expensive gifts out on the curb. Whether you bought your child a pricey new game system or gifted your partner with an expensive flatscreen, leaving the boxes out for trash or recycling is just advertising what you have inside. 
• Keep gifts out of sight. A brightly lit tree with beautifully wrapped gifts underneath makes for a perfect picture-postcard scene - and it is awfully tempting to burglars. All they have to do is smash through the window and grab that game system or TV. Keep items out of sight.
• Prepare for deliveries. If you are expecting packages and cannot be home, leave instructions with the delivery company. Maybe they can drop them off at a trusted neighbor’s, for example. You can also rent a package locker; if you have Amazon Prime, you can access one for free. 
• Keep your travel plans offline. If you’re planning a vacation, do not mention it on social media. This shines a digital spotlight on your home, announcing when it will be empty. 

Also, if you are traveling be sure to stop newspaper and package deliveries, set lights on a smart timer, and notify a trusted neighbor so they can be on the watch for suspicious activities. 

Be Smart About Fire Prevention 

There is also a general increase in the number of house fires during the holiday season and winter: because we’re heating our homes and using lights and other decorations, it can increase our risk. To keep your family and home safe:

• Check the batteries in your smoke/CO2 detectors. It is also a good idea to have a fire alarm that connects directly to a security call center so if there is a problem (especially when you are away from home), dispatchers can get help on the way immediately.
• Make sure that you have your furnace and/or chimney cleaned and serviced ASAP.
• Be cautious if you use space heaters. Do not leave them on when you are away from home, and use models with an automatic shutoff.
• Be careful about candles or use flameless options that are just as pretty! 
• Inspect every strand of lights to ensure there are no cracked bulbs or frayed wires.
• Turn off interior and exterior lights when you go to bed. You can also use a smart timer. 
• Be sure to water your tree. If you have a Christmas tree with lights, be sure to fill the basin with water. If you don’t, the needles can get dry and become excellent kindling. A problem with lights, for example, can ignite a fire. Keep the tree away from heat sources. 
• Make sure you know how to use your fire extinguisher. 

Give Safely - And Eat Safely! 

Gifts and feasts… what would the holidays be without them! Keep safety in mind:

• If you’re giving gifts to young children, be sure they are age-appropriate to avoid choking risks. Avoid toys with small batteries, magnets, or that require an outlet until children are older. 
• If you’re giving a lucky kid a bike, scooter, or other gear, make sure to get them the right safety equipment as well (e.g. helmets).
• Be aware of allergies or dietary requirements when giving food treats.
• When preparing food, make sure to wash your hands frequently, especially if you are handling items like chicken and eggs. 
• Keep raw meat away from your produce and use separate utensils to avoid cross-contamination. 
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure your turkey, ham, roast, etc., are cooked at a safe temperature.
• Refrigerate food within two hours of when you serve it. 

Don’t Forget About Your Pets! 

To keep your furry friends safe and happy: 

• Avoid giving your pets too many scraps; this can upset their bellies - and many human foods are not safe for them. 
• Put plants like poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe out of reach.
• If your pet likes to play with the ornaments, use shatterproof decorations and place them higher on the tree. 
• If you can, make sure pets have a quiet place to retreat to when guests come over. It can be overwhelming - or they may be much too successful in their attempts to beg for food!

The Integrity Security team wishes you a happy and safe holiday season! If we can make it even more secure, please contact us today.