2 min read

Keep Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel

Dec 18, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Home Alone Holiday Safety - FB.jpg‘Tis the season of traveling! With so much to look forward to, people often forget to think about what they’re leaving behind. Unfortunately, the holiday season is one of the most popular times of the year for burglaries and theft. And if you’re leaving your home unattended for extended periods of time, chances are you won’t have cute little Kevin McCallister there to ward off unwanted intruders. So, if you don’t want to endure to a break-in reminiscent of Home Alone, be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your home.

  1. Home Alone movie cover.jpgThough it can be exciting to see gifts under the tree, it might not be the best idea to leave expensive gifts out in the open while you’re not home. Instead, think about tucking them away in closets or bedrooms, where they won’t draw unwanted attention.

  2. While you’re away, leave some outdoor lights (and even one or two interior lights) on to give the impression that someone is inside.

  3. While occupants are away, snow can pile up in driveways or walkways and make it clear that the owners aren’t home. If you can, ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to clear the snow off of unkempt pathways.

  4. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be hard to remember when exactly that one gift you ordered was supposed to be delivered. Don’t tempt suspicious passerby with abandoned parcels – arrange for someone to collect your mail and packages while you’re away.

  5. If you have a house alarm, make sure to contact the agency to inform them you’ll be going out of town so they can be on alert for suspicious activity in or near your home.

  6. Before leaving, make sure that your garage door is secure and that it won’t open easily if you don’t have the opener or code.

  7. If you know you’re going to be leaving particularly extravagant gifts or belongings at home, consider how to best to keep them secure and take time to review your insurance policies to ensure you have proper coverage.

Follow these simple steps to help keep your family, home, and belongings safe this holiday season...then all you have to do is make sure your kid doesn’t get left behind at home!

Gibson

Written by Gibson

Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. As an employee-owned company, Gibson is driven by close relationships with their clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in Northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. Today, Gibson serves clients across the country from offices in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Utah.