Top Holiday Security Tips to Keep Your Chicago Home Safe This Season

The holiday season in Chicago is a time for family gatherings, travel, and festive joy. However, this is also a time when house burglaries and break-ins tend to increase. Many residents leave their homes unattended while traveling, or they’re simply more distracted. Nonstop Locksmith, Chicago’s preferred locksmith service, is here to provide important holiday home security tips to keep your property safe and secure while you enjoy the season.

1. Reinforce Your Locks and Entry Points

Reinforcing points of entry, particularly door locks, is one of the best ways to secure your Chicago home. High-security options like smart locks or advanced deadbolts should be taken into consideration if your locks are outdated or offer minimal safety.

• High-Security Deadbolts: Standard locks may be vulnerable to picking, drilling, and forced entry. High-security deadbolts are crafted to withstand these techniques, offering exceptional resistance. Nonstop Locksmith provides installation of quality deadbolts that meet the highest industry standards and are designed specifically to withstand common burglary methods.
• Smart Locks: Advanced security features like remote access, real-time notifications, and monitoring are provided by smart locks. With the help of these locks, you can control your home security system from your smartphone and see who is entering your house when you’re not there. You have total control over your home security with Nonstop Locksmith’s range of smart lock solutions, which include keypad entry systems, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi-enabled models. A smart lock is ideal for Chicago homes during the Christmas season since it not only increases convenience but also fortifies your entire security system.

2. Invest in Security Cameras and Alarm Systems

Security cameras and alarm systems are powerful deterrents against intruders. A visible security setup can discourage burglars from targeting your property, and advanced systems allow you to monitor your home from anywhere.

• Video Doorbells: Video doorbells are excellent for monitoring front-door activity. They allow you to see who’s at your door in real-time and even communicate with visitors remotely. A video doorbell can be a great addition to any Chicago home security system, giving you added peace of mind during the holidays.
• Remote-Access Security Cameras: Remote-access cameras are ideal for Chicago residents traveling over the holidays. These cameras allow you to monitor your property anytime, anywhere through a mobile app. Nonstop Locksmith offers security cameras with remote-access features, ensuring that you can view live feeds or recorded footage of your property 24/7.
• Integrated Alarm Systems: Alarms are crucial for quick response in case of a breach. With integrated alarm systems, you receive immediate notifications on your smartphone, and some systems can alert authorities or your chosen security company. Our team at Nonstop Locksmith can help you integrate alarms with locks and other security devices for seamless and comprehensive home protection.

3. Secure Your Garage, Windows, and Outdoor Areas

Often overlooked, garages, windows, and outdoor areas can be weak points in your home security. Securing these areas can go a long way in preventing unwanted access.

• Garage Security: Garage doors and side entrances are popular entry points for burglars. Nonstop Locksmith recommends upgrading to a secure garage door lock, installing a secondary locking mechanism, or upgrading to a smart garage opener. This allows you to monitor and control access, preventing intruders from using the garage as an entry point.
• Window Locks: Many Chicago homes have ground-level or basement windows, which can be easy access points. Install sturdy window locks or add security bars where appropriate. Window sensors that trigger alarms if tampered with are also a valuable addition.
• Outdoor Lighting and Motion Detectors: Dark areas around your home can make it easier for intruders to approach undetected. Install outdoor lighting with motion detection around your home’s perimeter, especially near entry points. Motion-activated lighting is a simple yet effective way to deter potential intruders. Nonstop Locksmith can provide advice on the most strategic locations for lighting to maximize security.

4. Conceal Your Valuables from View

The holiday season often brings new purchases, gifts, and valuables into the home. Visible valuables can attract burglars, making it essential to keep high-value items out of sight.

• Curtains and Blinds: Keep your blinds and curtains closed, especially in rooms where valuables, like electronics or holiday gifts, are visible from the outside. Consider using curtains that allow light in while obscuring the view from outside.
• Secure High-Value Items: Items such as jewelry, cash, and electronics should be stored in hidden or locked spaces. For extra security, Nonstop Locksmith recommends using a safe with a secure combination or biometric lock. Safes not only keep valuables protected from theft but also from fire and water damage.

5. Use Timers and Smart Plugs for Lights and Electronics

Maintaining a lived-in appearance while you’re away can be one of the most effective deterrents against burglars. Use timers and smart plugs to turn lights and electronics on and off at intervals.

• Programmable Timers: Timers are affordable and easy to use. Set them up to activate lights in the evening and turn them off at bedtime to mimic regular activity in your home.
• Smart Plugs and Bulbs: Smart plugs and bulbs can be controlled remotely, allowing you to adjust lighting patterns from your smartphone. This flexibility means you can change up the lighting routine, making it harder for potential intruders to detect patterns. At Nonstop Locksmith, we can help you set up smart lighting solutions that integrate with your home security system.

6. Schedule a Professional Security Assessment

A comprehensive home security assessment can be invaluable, especially if you’re not sure about potential vulnerabilities. Nonstop Locksmith’s experienced professionals in Chicago can conduct a thorough security evaluation, identifying areas that may be susceptible to intruders and offering practical recommendations for improvement.

• Customized Security Plans: Our security assessments result in customized recommendations that can include lock upgrades, alarm system installations, surveillance enhancements, and smart technology integrations. Every home is unique, and our experts ensure that your security plan addresses your specific needs.
• Annual Security Check-Ups: Security needs evolve, and it’s a good idea to reassess them yearly or when you make significant changes to your home. Nonstop Locksmith offers ongoing services to help you keep your home secure year-round, especially during high-risk times like the holiday season.

Trust Nonstop Locksmith Chicago to Keep Your Home Secure

At Nonstop Locksmith Chicago, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch locksmith services that meet all your home security needs. From high-security lock installations and smart lock systems to comprehensive security assessments, we have the expertise and resources to help you protect your home.

As your partner in home security, Nonstop Locksmith Chicago is here to ensure that you enjoy peace of mind throughout the holiday season and beyond. Don’t leave your home’s security to chance—take proactive steps to safeguard your property with trusted locksmith solutions from Nonstop Locksmith.

Contact Nonstop Locksmith Chicago today for a free consultation, and let us create a customized security plan tailored to protect your home and loved ones this holiday season.