Hello everyone and welcome to the blog!
My name is Miles and I am here on be-half of Butte Security to bring you some seasonal safety tips. Be sure to check out my YouTube video as well.
https://youtu.be/5EAVDcop9pg
The holidays are just around the corner. And with all craziness of decorating, puppy-parties, and shopping you want to keep a few things in mind to stay safe while having fun.
Of course at Butte Security, we feel having a professionally installed security alarm is a smart step, but there are several other things you can do in addition to that to help keep your home and family safe. Here are some things to help you do just that.
1. Social Media SMART
If you are planning to travel during the holidays, be sure to keep your plans off your social media channels. Never post when you are leaving, or when you will be back. This is prime information for a thief because he will know when your house will be empty. Even if you have the highest level of security on your media accounts, posting this personal information is never recommended. Remember, statists show … most burglaries are done by someone who knows you through some association.
2. Hide Gifts and Packages
You want to make sure gifts are hidden from a potential burglar. This could even be visitors to your home you may not know very well like a friend-of friend or service people. Putting pretty gifts under your tree looks nice, but it’s also an open invitation for a thief. Try to keep your tree with gifts , away from windows or other places with a view. Also very large gifts. Maybe keep those out of sight completely till the day before your gift exchange. And don’t forget to take care of gifts you haven’t received yet. Thieves like to strike when there’s an Amazon box or other package left on the porch. Consider adding a doorbell camera or other outdoor security device to help deter would-be thieves. Give delivery people special instructions about where to leave packages. If you’re expecting lots of deliveries, consider renting out a package locker or investing in a secure drop box to keep on your porch. The local UPS Store also offers Package acceptance with their PO Box services.
3. Furry Family Members
Again, during these fun times, you may want to consider the furrier members of the family. Here are some things to be careful of:
A. Keep people food out of the reach of your furry pals, and ask your guests to do the same.
B. Make sure your furry pal doesn't have access to treats, especially those containing chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions or other toxic foods.
C. Don't leave your furry pals alone in a room with lit candles, a tart warmers or potpourri.
D. Keep holiday plants (especially holly, mistletoe and lilies) out of reach of paws.
E. Consider leaving the tinsel off your tree if you have a cat or a puppy.
F. Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your dog bumps in to it or your cat climbs it. Hanging lemon-scented car air fresheners in the tree may deter your cat from climbing it.
G. Provide a safe place for your furry pals to escape the excitement (such as a kennel, crate, scratching post shelf or other hiding place) if you’re planning on entertaining guests. If your furry pal is excitable or scared, consider putting them in another room with some toys and a comfortable bed. Your guests may appreciate this as well.
4. House Sitter
If you are planning to go out of town, be sure to notify a trusted neighbor. Ask the neighbor to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity. Maybe they can even stay a few nights there. You’ll also want this neighbor to keep your walks cleared of snow and to pick up your mail and newspapers while you are away. Make sure your house looks like somebody is home to deter a burglar. Home automation is a great way to do this. Add a motion sensor light or use smart plugs and smart lightbulbs that let you control lights, TVs, and more from anywhere or on a schedule.
5. Smart Christmas Lighting
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, December is the deadliest month for electrical fires. Before you string lights on the house or the tree, be sure to inspect the strands to make sure there aren’t any frayed cords or cracked bulbs. Replace any broken bulbs and throw away strands with frayed cords. This will help prevent any accidental fires. Also be sure you are not overloading an outlet. Even if you use a power Strip, all that electricity still travels through the one outlet. This can cause overheating and is usually what leads to an electrical fire. If cords feel very warm, you should reduce what is plugged in.
Also, be sure to turn any holiday lights off when you go out for the evening or when you go to bed. Try using an outdoor timer or smart outlet to switch lights on and off. And it’s a good idea to review how to use a fire extinguisher and make sure yours is accessible and unexpired.
Should you have any questions or be interested in way we can serve you, don't hesitate to visit us at www.ButteSecurity.com