Along with road trips to visit family or flights to somewhere warmer, it’s important for homeowners and renters alike to take stock of their home security with the holidays quickly approaching.
Each year, there are over 2.5 million burglaries across the U.S., with the FBI estimating an average value lost per burglary of $2,416.
To protect your home, today’s technology allows for a large variety of customizable options from doorbell and outdoor cameras to motion detectors you can monitor from your smartphone.
Full-home security systems are now more affordable than ever, with many local companies offering the peace of mind that only professional installation and monitoring can provide for similar pricing to self-installed systems.
Additionally, security systems are not just an option for homeowners anymore. Wireless home security systems offer protection for renters without any damage to leased property and the convenience of being able to move the system with you.
Proper outdoor lighting is especially important in deterring potential theft. If your home does not have adequate lighting, some of the options you might want to consider include motion detecting flood lights around your home and solar powered pathway lights and spotlights to keep entrances well-lit and less enticing to criminals.
As always, make it a habit to lock any vehicles in your driveway or parked at your home and remove any valuables. Theft of personal property from vehicles is the most common type of larceny-theft, with police reporting more than 1 million in 2020.
If you’ll be away from home during the holidays, be sure to put a hold on your mail and ask a friend to watch for any packages that might be delivered. Mail and packages piling up at your door or in your mailbox can alert criminals that you’re out of town.
It’s also a good idea to leave a light on in the home and ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
Once you have a security system, proper lighting and other safety actions in place, be sure to notify your insurance company. Most insurance policies offer discounts for these preventative measures – and any savings this time of year could pay for an extra gift or two!
To find out more about home security options, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga’s member directory at www.HBAGC.net to find a list of qualified, local professionals to install your security system.