There are important steps you can take to protect your family and home during the holiday season. Nothing can ruin the joy of the season more than a break-in. Damage to your home, loss of property and the sense of violation can be traumatic. Please take time to practice preventative security measures which can provide you greater peace of mind while celebrating the season and all it has to offer.

• Holiday lights: If your plans include being away than make sure your outside lights are on a timer. It may be the year to skip the outside lights or keep them to a minimum. It helps to have some decor so the house isn’t perceived as a standout in the community that its occupants are away.

Post signs: Even if you don't have a dog or a home security system, posting signs “Beware of Dogs” or advertising a “home security system” can act as an additional deterrent to thieves.

• Watch your social media postings: Don’t announce to the word gifts you are purchasing for your family..you could become a target. Don’t post your travel plans and publicize information about when you will be gone and for how long! When you are at social events wait until you get home to post..don’t advertise you are not at home!

• Your house should look like someone is home: Make sure if your family has travel plans, that you made arrangements for the mail, package deliveries,  or yard work, and that inside lights are on timers and are turning on and off. You may want to ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home and possibly even park a car in your driveway.

• Trash items: Thieves check out trash items at the curb looking for high ticket items like TV’s, electronic sand jewelry. Don’t let your trash give clues as to what can be found in your home.   Recycle or break down those boxes and put them in trash bags...don’t stack at the curb!.

• Deactivate your garage door openers: Those with a universal remote will not be able to gain access if you unplug the garage door openers when you leave on your holiday vacation.

• Store your valuables: Safely store your valuables like expensive jewelry, coins and other collectibles in a safe or bank's safe deposit box before you leave, for added protection. That way if there is a break in, you will have an additional level of security.

• Install a home security system: Consider having a professional home security company install a system in your home. Not only will it monitor the home for theft, but can keep an eye on it for fire and flood as well.

Please take care and make sure you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!

This post is brought to you as a courtesy by your NW Austin Real Estate professional, Dorie Dillard with Coldwell Banker United REALTORS.  As always, she looks forward to serving your NW Austin real estate needs and would be honored to earn your trust and business. Reach out to Dorie at 512-346-1799 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..