November 14, 2016 by Anas Mustafa
Home security is something that needs to be a priority all year round, but there are certain things to be particularly mindful of during the winter season.
Criminals never take a break, and the weather can cause all sorts of problems as far as your home is concerned, so you can’t let your guard down. Read on to learn about how to increase your home’s security in the winter. Number four might surprise you.
You don’t want to give criminals any clues as to when you’re not home. So in the event that you’ll be away from home for awhile, be sure to have someone shovel or snowblow your driveway and walkway. That way, any criminals canvassing your area won’t know that no one is home. An added measure would be for a neighbour or someone you trust to park in your driveway and pick up your mail when you’re not around. Criminals tend to take the path of least resistance, which means they’re more likely to target a home that looks unattended than one that has people coming and going.
Having security cameras outside of your home is a great idea for some perimeter security, but you definitely need to check them from time to time to ensure that there’s no accumulation of snow or ice that might compromise their effectiveness.
It might seem obvious to keep your windows locked during the winter, but it can be nice sometimes to open up a window or two to exchange stale air for fresh air. Remember to lock them after you close them. Windows happen to be one of the most popular modes of entry into people’s homes for criminals — so keep yours closed and locked when they don’t need to be open.
Home security isn’t only about keeping criminals out; it’s also about protecting your home from the elements. And one thing that the elements can do during the winter season, if your thermostat isn’t up high enough, is cause pipes to freeze and burst. Even if you’re not going to be around for awhile, ensure that your thermostat is set to at least 13 degrees Celsius. That way, you’ll be able to reduce energy consumption while keeping your pipes safe from any freezing and bursting hazards.
Trees and shrubs are nice, but they can also provide a convenient hiding place for criminals. When you consider that it gets darker sooner during the winter months, you need to do everything you can to take away possible hiding spots.
Again, thieves don’t take a break during the winter season, and the weather can wreak all sorts of havoc. This means that you’ve got to be vigilant all year long. If you take these five tips to heart, you’ll protect your family and your home this winter.
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