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Top 10 Holiday Home Security Tips (and some great gift ideas highlighted in red)

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Copyright © 2003 - 2004 Electro Alarms Co, Inc.   All rights reserved. Images and Ademco product information Copyright © 2001 Pittway Corporation.

• Keep all gifts and packages out of view from your home’s doors and windows.  The goal here
  is to minimize the direct view that any “unauthorized” visitor may have when either at your doors or
  passing by your windows.  This usually can be achieved by simply using curtains and blinds, especially
  during the evening hours.
  

• Use any type of automatic switch to turn lights on when not home.  Both the classic timer and
  newer daylight-sensing switches are great for automatically lighting your home when away at a holiday
  party or on vacation. Automatic timers are a great holiday gift idea.
  

• Outdoor motion-detecting lights should be used to illuminate the exterior of your home’s
  entrances and perimeter area during the shorter days of the holiday season.  This not only
  helps illuminate your entrance when arriving home from a holiday gathering, but can also be used to
  help secure your property at night. Motion-detecting lights are also a great holiday gift idea.
  

• Shred all documents that contain personal information.  The rapid increase in the rate of identity
  theft is very alarming, do not make it any easier for criminals to gather your personal information
  through your holiday trash disposal.  We recommend, at minimum, a cross-cut shredder for your
  personal documents.  Shredders are yet another great holiday gift idea!
  

• Keep all doors and windows shut and locked when not supervised.  Criminals look for the
  easiest way in, so don’t make it easy for them.
  

• Plan holiday package deliveries to arrive when someone is at home to receive the package
  or address the packages to be delivered to your place of work.  With the increase of online
  shopping during the holiday season, minimize any packages setting outside your home’s doorway that
  could draw attention to your home and tempt criminals.
  

• Place smoke detectors, heat sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with holiday
  decorations and lighting.  The increased use of candles, fireplaces and decorative items during the
  holiday season can significantly increase the risk of a home fire.  Remember to also make sure that all
  of your home’s detectors have fresh batteries.  Smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide detectors are another
  great holiday gift idea!
  

• While away from the home for an extended period; remember to remove outdoor hidden
  keys, have the mail and newspapers held, and put your lights on a timer.  You could also have
  neighbors help to make your home looked “lived in” by placing trash out, parking occasionally in your
  driveway, and making tire tracks on any snow-covered driveways.
  

• Always be aware of your surroundings and contact authorities if any unknown strangers
  enter your neighborhood, act suspicious, or behave in an abnormal pattern.  Keep in mind that
  charitable organizations are fairly active during the holidays; however, authorized members will be able
  to show proper identification.  Also be aware of your immediate surroundings when entering the home
  by “keeping an eye” on areas around your shrubs, trees, parked cars, and any place that a criminal
  could hide while you unlock or open doors.
  

BONUS TIP (you know we had to include at least one tip about owning a home security system)

• Consider a professionally installed alarm system.  An alarm system can provide you with an
  increased level of security at night, while on vacation, and whenever returning to an empty home.  The
  system will put you in control of knowing whether an unauthorized person is trying to enter the home or
  has already entered and informs you to stay out and call authorities if the system is not already
  monitored.  Did you know that today’s alarm systems are not only more reliable with pet-immune motion
  sensors and easier to use with key fob remote control convenience, but also the new systems can be
  either designed to have 24-hour UL approved monitoring or a simple communication device
  programmed to call up to four of your predetermined phone numbers.  We also recommend checking
  with several security installation companies before purchasing a system, so you can properly decide
  what level of security is needed and not get “trapped into” long-term contracts that require you to pay
  monthly fees even when the system is not used.  There are many companies “out there” to choose
  from; so check references, choose an established company, and ask questions.