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How Do I Protect My Home and Business When I am Away for The Holidays?

By Emergency Systems, Inc. | November 20, 2024

When you’re away for the holidays, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect both your home, office and business.

At ESI, Emergency Systems Inc. we subscribe to the concept that when it comes to a home or business security, more is better. You can never be too careful or be overly prepared to thwart criminals from having access to your home, office or place of business at any time especially during a holiday vacation. We have been protecting customers all over North Florida and South Georgia for over 40 years.

Since 1978, ESI has represented the worlds’ leading security alarm component manufacturers, providing security and fire alarm solutions with affordable and award-winning custom designs, installations, repairs, retrofitting and system expansions for residential and commercial applications.

Every month on our website, GetEsi.Com, we offer guidance, solutions and expert advice on topics ranging from cellular boosting, surveillance technology to simple security strategies useful to residential and commercial consumers. We take pride in being one of the most trusted and authoritative experts in the field of security alarm protection available anywhere in the country.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Home or Business While You Are Away

Here is a comprehensive list of strategies to help secure your property and reduce the risk of theft, break-ins, or other incidents anytime of the year, especially during periods where you as the homeowner or businessowner are absent.

Home Security

  1. Security System:
    1. Alarm Systems: Ensure your home security system is up-to-date and fully operational. If you don’t have one, consider installing one with monitoring services.
    1. Smart Home Devices: Consider installing smart cameras, doorbell cameras, or motion sensors. Devices like Ring, Nest, or Arlo can allow you to monitor your home remotely via your phone.
  2. Lighting:
    1. Timers/Smart Lights: Use timers or smart light bulbs to create the illusion that someone is home. You can set lights to turn on and off at specific times, especially in the evenings.
    1. Motion-activated Lights: Install motion-activated flood lights around your property to deter intruders.
  3. Mail and Deliveries:
    1. Hold Mail: Put a hold on mail delivery with the USPS or use a mail forwarding service to avoid mail piling up, which can indicate you’re away.
    1. Package Delivery: Consider having packages delivered to a secure location, like a neighbor’s house, or set up a locker service like Amazon Hub.
  1. Neighborhood Watch:
    • Alert Trusted Neighbors: Inform a trusted neighbor or friend that you’ll be away. They can help watch your home and report suspicious activity.
    • Online Alerts: Some neighborhood associations use apps like NextDoor or Ring Neighborhoods to report and stay aware of local crime.
  2. Lock Doors and Windows:
    • Check All Entry Points: Before leaving, double-check that all doors and windows are locked securely.
    • Deadbolts and Sliding Door Bars: Reinforce doors with deadbolts, and for sliding glass doors, consider installing security bars or anti-lift devices.
  3. Avoid Social Media Posts:
    • Don’t Announce Your Absence: Avoid posting on social media while you’re away, as it could tip off potential burglars. Wait until you return to share photos or updates.
  4. Hide Valuables:
    • Safes: Use a safe for valuables like jewelry, documents, or electronics.
    • Discreet Storage: Don’t leave valuables in plain sight through windows or in easily accessible areas.
  5. Automated Alerts:
    • Smart Locks & Door Sensors: If your doors or windows are opened, these can send real-time alerts to your phone.

Business Security

  1. Physical Security:
    • Lock Doors & Windows: Ensure that all entrances, windows, and storage areas are locked securely.
    • Security Bars & Grills: For businesses in high-risk areas, consider installing physical barriers like security bars or rolling shutters.
  2. Alarm Systems & Monitoring:
    • Alarm Systems: Similar to your home, make sure your business has a functioning alarm system that includes motion detectors and possibly video surveillance.
    • Remote Monitoring: If you’re away, opt for a business security system that offers remote access and monitoring, so you can check in from anywhere.
  3. Inventory Management:
    • Secure Valuable Inventory: Lock up or move high-value items and sensitive equipment to secure areas.
    • Surveillance: Use cameras that provide 24/7 surveillance of critical areas of your business.
  4. Staff Management:
    • Designated Key Holders: Make sure employees or trusted individuals have keys, but limit access to sensitive areas when you’re away.
    • Security Procedures: Train staff on security protocols, including locking up properly, managing alarm systems, and handling suspicious activities.
  5. Cash & Financial Security:
    • Deposit Cash: If your business handles cash, deposit any money in the bank before leaving, or store it in a secure safe.
    • Secure Payment Systems: Ensure that your point-of-sale (POS) and digital payment systems are secure and that employees follow cybersecurity best practices.
  6. Prevent Cybersecurity Threats:
    • Remote Access Control: Ensure only authorized individuals can access business systems remotely, and use VPNs or encrypted connections if necessary.
    • Automatic Software Updates: Make sure that all systems (including POS, security cameras, and digital records) are updated and protected with strong passwords.
  7. Temporary Closure & Signage:
    • Notify Customers: If your business will be closed for an extended period, notify customers on your website, via social media, or through a physical sign. Be cautious not to advertise your absence in a way that could attract unwanted attention.
    • Temporary Staffing: If you plan to keep the business open with limited hours, consider hiring temporary staff to monitor the property.
  8. Insurance:
    • Review Business Insurance: Ensure your business insurance policy is up-to-date and covers theft, vandalism, and property damage.

ESI’s Additional Tips for Both Types of Consumers

  • Trusted Contact: Have a trusted friend, family member, or colleague who can step in if any issues arise—whether that’s checking your home, receiving business deliveries, or handling emergencies.
  • Create a Checklist: Before you leave, create a checklist of security tasks to complete, so nothing is overlooked.
  • Emergency Contacts: Leave a list of emergency contacts (both for the home and business) with a trusted person, including locksmiths, local authorities, and anyone who might need access to the property.

Why Choose ESI for All Your Security and Fire Alarm Protective Services

ESI believes by implementing a combination of these measures, you can ensure your home and business remain secure while you’re away during the holiday season. Our expert 24/7 365 days a year, monitoring technicians are here to assist our customers with seamless security support anytime of the day or night whenever a security alarm activation takes place. 

Give us a call at 904-388-3975 for a free security alarm consultation provide by one of our highly trained security alarm technicians. We offer many services chief among them is our central monitoring station staffed by some of our industries best alarm personnel. Affordable, secure and seamless security shields, custom designed for each unique security application is what we are all about. Did we mention affordable too.

Posted in Security Company, Security systems