Keeping your home safe during the holidays!

The festive season is a time for joy, but it’s also a time when your home may be more vulnerable to risks. From burglars taking advantage of your absence to fires sparked by overloaded electrical outlets, there are many ways things can go wrong.

To ensure your home remains safe and secure, here are some essential tips for keeping your home protected during the winter festivities.

1. Lock up and secure your doors and windows

The holidays bring an increase in shopping, travel, and gatherings, so it’s easy to forget the basics of home security. A simple mistake like leaving a door unlocked can give burglars easy access.

• Double-check all windows and doors are properly locked, especially when leaving your home unattended
• Install deadbolts on exterior doors if you haven’t already
• Security lighting is a great deterrent for burglars. Consider motion-sensor lights around your property, particularly near doors and pathways

2. Don’t advertise your absence

The festive season often means travelling to see family, going on holiday, or attending parties. But when you’re away, your home becomes a target for thieves looking for unoccupied properties.

• Avoid announcing your holiday plans on social media: A seemingly harmless post can let burglars know that your home will be empty for an extended period
• Use a timer for lights to create the illusion that someone’s home: Timers can be set to turn on lamps or even a television at different times
• Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your house: Have them collect your mail, and park in your driveway occasionally to make the home seem lived-in.

3. Be cautious with festive decorations

Who doesn’t love a home decorated in holiday cheer? Whilst they look great, they can also pose safety risks if not properly managed.

• Don’t overload electrical outlets: The festive season means extra lights, decorations, and heaters. Avoid overloading your electrical system by plugging too many items into a single socket, as this can increase the risk of fire.
• Use flame-resistant materials: Opt for flame-retardant decorations, particularly if you’re using candles or real Christmas trees. Real trees, if not watered regularly, can become dry and highly flammable.
• Turn off lights when you leave: Always turn off fairy lights when you leave the house or go to bed to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

4. Protect your valuables

Holidays can be a time when you accumulate valuable gifts, but don’t let the excitement of the season put your possessions at risk.

• Keep gifts out of sight: If you’re leaving presents under the tree, don’t let them be visible from outside. Thieves are more likely to target homes where valuables can be seen through windows
• Store valuables in a safe place: If you have expensive items like jewellery, electronics, or documents, consider investing in a home safe
• Add any expensive gifts to your home insurance: If you’re lucky enough to receive some expensive gifts over the holidays, don’t forget that you can add them to your insurance to ensure they’re covered. So, if you need to add a bike worth more than £350 or an item over £1,500 to your policy, just give us a call on 0333 043 2001

5. Fire safety: Keep your home warm and safe

The holiday season can bring cold weather, which means you’re likely to rely on heating systems, fireplaces, or space heaters to keep warm.

• Keep candles away from flammable materials: Candles are a beautiful tradition, but they should always be placed in safe spots, away from curtains, Christmas trees, and other flammable materials
• Check your fireplace: If you have a real fireplace, make sure the chimney is swept before use. A build-up of creosote can cause dangerous chimney fires
• Be mindful of space heaters: When using portable space heaters, keep them at least 3 feet away from anything flammable. Never leave them running while you’re asleep or away from home.

6. Charging gifts safely

The holidays are a time for celebration and joy, but it’s also important to prioritise safety – especially when it comes to charging batteries. As the demand for electronic gifts grows, so does the risk of electrical fires caused by faulty chargers or improper battery use. To ensure a safe holiday season, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Always buy electronics and gadgets powered by lithium-ion batteries from reputable vendors, and make sure they come with approved chargers
• Never leave devices charging unattended, whether you’re at home or out. Overcharging or using faulty chargers can lead to dangerous situations
• Be cautious when using third-party chargers; always opt for original or certified ones to prevent overheating or damage to your devices and batteries.

7. Invest in a home security system

For added peace of mind, consider installing a home security system. With the rise of smart home technology, there are now many affordable options for monitoring your property from anywhere.

• Smart cameras and doorbell cameras allow you to see who’s at your door, even when you’re not at home
• Motion sensors and alarms can alert you (and the authorities) in the event of a break-in. Many systems also offer remote monitoring via your smartphone, so you can keep an eye on your home no matter where you ar

While the holiday season is a time for celebration, it’s essential to stay vigilant and keep your home safe. By following these simple steps—securing your home, being mindful of fire hazards, and protecting your valuables—you can enjoy a worry-free festive season with the peace of mind that your home’s secure.