Protect Your Home and Belongings this Holiday Season with These Smart Tips
Home for the holidays
As the year winds down and the holiday season kicks into full swing, it’s not just the festivities that are in the air—so are the risks. Insurance claims often peak toward the end of the year, largely due to holiday travel and the valuable items we leave behind. To help ensure your home and possessions are safe while you enjoy the season, Salt Jacket Insurance has put together these smart, proactive steps to protect what matters most.
1. Hide Gifts and Valuables Out of Sight
The holiday excitement of gift-giving and travel can lead to oversights that invite thieves. After opening presents, don’t leave valuables lying around for the taking. Instead of placing gifts under the tree or on display, store them in a secure spot, like a locked room, a safe, or a hidden area inside your home. If you’re heading out to visit family, keep your holiday cash and gifts out of view—even in your car. Let burglars think the Grinch has already stolen Christmas before they get a chance.
2. Install Deadbolts for Added Security
Deadbolts are a low-cost, high-value investment in your home’s security. Whether you choose traditional mechanical or smart digital deadbolts, these simple locks make it significantly harder for intruders to break in. At Salt Jacket Insurance, we believe in preventative measures—strengthening entry points is one of the easiest and most effective ways to deter criminals.
3. Reinforce Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are a common vulnerability. If you have them, reinforce the track by installing a metal or wooden rod to act as a brace. This extra layer of protection makes it much harder for burglars to force the door open if the lock is compromised.
4. Double-Check All Locks
Before you leave for a holiday trip, take a moment to ensure all doors, windows, and garage entries are securely locked. It’s especially important to double-check the garage door, as thieves often use universal openers to gain access to homes. Consider keeping high-value items out of the garage altogether. An activated alarm system is also a smart investment for added peace of mind.
5. Keep Your Home Looking Lived-In
Vacations and long trips often leave your home looking empty and vulnerable. To keep up appearances, use automatic timers for your lights, so it looks like someone is home even when you’re away. Smart home systems allow you to control lights, plugs, and even appliances from your phone—no matter where you are—providing another layer of protection.
6. Keep Your Trash and Recycling Bin Tidy
Avoid giving away clues about what’s inside your home. Before heading out, make sure no expensive electronics boxes, shopping bags, or gift-wrapping materials are visible in your trash or recycling bins. Close your curtains and blinds to keep prying eyes from peeking in. A little extra care goes a long way in maintaining your privacy.
7. Keep Travel Plans Offline
Social media can be a goldmine for burglars. Avoid posting real-time updates about your travel plans, especially on public accounts. Sharing your absence online can make you a target for thieves looking to capitalize on empty homes. Be discreet, and keep the details of your holiday under wraps to enjoy the season with less worry.
8. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Before you head out, take a moment to review your home and renters insurance policy. At Salt Jacket Insurance, we recommend ensuring your coverage is up-to-date to protect your home and valuables. Many policies offer special coverage for holiday thefts, damaged holiday decorations, or even loss of expensive gifts. Check for any exclusions and ensure you're fully covered, particularly for high-value items like electronics and jewelry.
9. Keep an Inventory of Your Valuables
Take a few minutes to create an inventory of your valuable items, including electronics, jewelry, and any gifts you’ve recently purchased. Photograph your items and record serial numbers, and store the information in a secure, off-site location (like a cloud storage service). This documentation can be invaluable if you need to file a claim in the event of theft or damage.
10. Invest in Smart Home Technology
Beyond timers, smart home devices offer next-level security. Motion sensors, doorbell cameras, and smart locks are all effective ways to keep your home safe and secure. These devices allow you to monitor your property remotely and offer valuable evidence in case of an incident. Whether you're tech-savvy or not, there’s a solution for every comfort level.
11. Secure Your Deliveries
Package theft is on the rise during the holidays, with "porch pirates" actively targeting deliveries. If you're expecting packages, arrange for secure drop-offs or use a delivery locker. Alternatively, have a trusted neighbor collect your packages or opt for in-store pickup. Keeping an eye on your deliveries can prevent unwelcome surprises and help you stay ahead of potential theft.
12. Safeguard Holiday Decorations
Holiday decorations can bring a lot of joy—but they can also pose safety risks. To avoid a fire-related insurance claim, make sure you’re using safe, UL-rated lights and keeping them away from flammable materials. Always turn off your lights before leaving the house. These small steps can help prevent costly damage and keep your holiday spirit intact.
13. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety first! Before traveling, check that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Replace any old batteries and ensure all detectors are functional. If you're using candles or space heaters for extra warmth, take extra care and always extinguish them before leaving home.
14. Ask a Neighbor for Help
If you’re going to be away for an extended period, enlist a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your property. Whether it’s shoveling snow, collecting your mail, or just checking in periodically, a vigilant neighbor can be one of your best defenses against break-ins and vandalism.
This holiday season, follow these steps to protect your home, valuables, and peace of mind. At Salt Jacket Insurance, we're here to help you safeguard what matters most, so you can enjoy the holidays without worrying about what’s left behind.
Safe travels, and happy holidays from the team at Salt Jacket Insurance!