7 Tips To Keep Your Home SAFE During the Holidays

The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year for. It's full of gifts, Christmas lights and time spent with family, but did you also know that the last two weeks of December has a high burglary percentage? As a homeowner, it's good to be aware of the possibility, and prepare your home for when you may not be home to protect it. Gatterimeir Davidson doesn't just want to provide you with a beautiful home at the Lake of the Ozarks but also help you secure your home. Here are seven tips to that can help protect your home while you're spreading Christmas cheer this holiday season.

Do Not Broadcast Your Holiday Plans Online


It's great to keep your friends and family updated on your fun holiday activities - but if you don't have your social media settings extremely secure you will have no idea who's really seeing them. It's best to save your photos till later and post them when you're back home safe and sound.

Put Your Holiday Lights On a Timer


While the "wet bandits" may check all of the timers on the street to see who is actually home and who's not, this generally will not be the case. Get a timer for your lights to help fool people into thinking you're home when you're not.



Don't Advertise the Gifts You've Received


It's exciting to get a brand new, flat screen, 3D TV - but posting about it online may not be a wise plan. Keep your gifts to yourself, and don't risk letting the thieves know which house to hit up when they need new technology or toys.

Have a Trusted Friend or Family Member Pick Up Mail and Newspapers


A sure sign that you're out of town is a full mailbox. Entrust a friend, neighbor or family member to stop by at least every few days. They can not only empty the mailbox, but can check around the house and make sure that everything is as secure as you left it. If you can't find anyone to stop, call the post office and have them hold your mail for the period of time that you'll be away.




Don't Run Extensions Cords Through Your Windows


Even if you don't have enough plugins on the outside, don't run the cords through the windows. An unlocked, and slightly open window is a free entry point for a burglar.

Be Wary of People Going Door to Door Soliciting Donations


You hate to be wary of people who seem to be doing good, but there are people who could possibly come to your door just to "scope it out". If you haven't heard of the organization and they're not found easily online - you may want to second guess opening your door to just anybody. If you notice ANY suspicious behavior happening in your neighborhood, don't be afraid to call the authorities.

Secure Your Home


Finally, be sure to lock your doors and windows before leaving home. This may seem very simple, but it can make an impact. While many break-ins are forced entry, there's nothing wrong with making it a little more difficult.

Buy A Home at the Lake of the Ozarks


The Lake area is a fun and safe place to live, and if you're are relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks, we'd love to help you find a new home! From large homes to small ones, we have many wonderful places to choose from. Give us a call today, we'd love to help you find a beautiful place to call home at the Lake of the Ozarks.


2011 REALTOR Salesperson of the Year
Missouri Association of Realtors

Gattermeir Davidson Real Estate, LLC
752 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Suite A
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office | 573.365.1555
Fax | 573.365.1766





Location: Lake Ozark, MO, USA

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