12 Dec Winter Security Tips to Protect Your Home and Business
The darker days, colder weather, and holiday season of winter create increased opportunities for criminals, putting the security of both homes and businesses at risk. Thankfully, there are proactive steps you can take to secure your property and make your home and business safer. Here are eight winter security tips to consider.
1. Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting
During the winter, daylight hours are shorter, and many criminals take advantage of the darkness to carry out illicit activities. Proper outdoor lighting can help deter criminal behavior and improve visibility around your property. Install motion sensor lights around entrances, driveways, and other vulnerable areas of your home or business. These lights can alert you to movement and discourage intruders from approaching.
2. Maintain Your Surveillance Systems
Winter weather can sometimes interfere with the functionality of security cameras and alarm systems. Keep your surveillance equipment in optimal condition and regularly check for any damage or blockages caused by snow, ice, or debris. Make sure cameras are clear of obstructions, and test motion detectors to ensure they’re working as expected.
Consider upgrading your system to one that includes remote monitoring. This allows you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere, giving you peace of mind when you’re not physically present.
3. Secure Windows and Doors
Winter storms and extreme cold can cause wear and tear on windows and doors. Check seals and weather stripping to ensure they’re properly sealed to prevent drafts, and reinforce windows and doors with strong locks, deadbolts, and security bars if necessary. Installing a door viewer, peephole, or video doorbell can help you check who’s at your door without opening it.
4. Prepare for Power Outages
Winter storms often bring power outages, leaving your security systems vulnerable. Install emergency power supplies, such as a battery backup or generator, to ensure your security systems remain functional even during a blackout.
To protect against physical injuries during a power outage, keep emergency light sources such as battery-operated lanterns or hand-crank flashlights readily accessible. Make sure everyone in your home or business knows where they are located and how to use them.
5. Shovel Snow Regularly
Regularly shovel snow from sidewalks, driveways, doors, and gates to maintain clear access to your property. Not only will this prevent accidents and inconvenience, but it will also help maintain visibility as well as access for emergency responders if needed.
For business owners, clear walkways and parking lots are not only a security measure but also a legal obligation in many areas. Keeping pathways clear of snow and ice demonstrates your commitment to safety for both employees and customers.
6. Lock Up Seasonal Equipment
While it can be tempting to leave frequently used equipment outside for convenience, be sure to lock up your valuable assets when not in use. Thieves often target easily accessible items such as bicycles, snow blowers, or ladders (which can be used to gain entry into your home or business).
7. Be Cautious of Holiday Packages and Deliveries
The holiday season typically leads to an increase in package deliveries. While these items are usually a source of joy, they are also targets for thieves who can steal packages left unattended for even a few minutes. Consider using secure delivery boxes or specifying an out-of-sight location for packages to be left.
For business owners, make sure any packages or deliveries to your business are brought inside promptly and stored securely.
8. Invest in Smart Technology
If you take time off for holiday vacations, it can mean leaving your house or small business vacant for days or even weeks. Smart security systems allow you to monitor and control your property remotely and set up notifications for unusual activity, giving you peace of mind while you’re away. Smart locks, lights, and thermostats not only improve security but provide convenience as well. You can ensure doors are locked and even unlock them temporarily for pet sitters instead of supplying a physical key that could be lost or copied without permission. You can activate different lights at different times to give the impression your home isn’t vacant. You can even save money by turning your thermostat down when you leave and still return to a cozy house by turning the thermostat up remotely when you’re ready to come home.
By taking these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches this winter and ensure your home and business remain safe and protected. From upgrading outdoor lighting to maintaining your security systems, small improvements can make a big difference.
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