House Guests and Home Security
Many of us will host out-of-town guests during the holidays, but have you considered how that affects your home’s security? Ensuring that everyone—adults and kids alike—follows your home security rules is vital to keeping your home safe and secure. Here are some essential ways to manage house guests and home security this holiday season.
Teach Alarm System Use
- Ensure that guests know how to activate and deactivate the system, including how to enter and exit without triggering an alert.
- Have them download any needed apps for smart home devices.
- Provide guests with the correct passcodes or temporary access codes, and make sure they know how to respond if the alarm goes off.
- Encourage everyone to make locking doors and windows and setting the alarm a habit, especially when leaving the house.
- If elderly relatives or visitors struggle with technology, consider using remote control features via your phone or scheduling automatic arming and disarming times.
Reinforce “Don’t Open the Door for Strangers”
- Teach younger guests to never open the door without permission. If someone they don’t recognize knocks, they should call for an adult.
- Use security tools such as peepholes, smart doorbells or camera systems to screen visitors before allowing them inside.
Communicate Your Rules Clearly
- Post reminders: Place friendly notes near keypads, doors and windows to remind everyone to lock up and activate the alarm.
- Have a quick orientation: When hosting long-term guests, give them a brief overview of your security system and emergency plans.
- Reinforce good habits: Regularly check in with your guests to ensure everyone is following the rules.
Share Your Emergency Plan
- Make sure visitors understand your emergency plans. This includes where to go, who to call and what steps to take.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts (fire department, police, trusted neighbors) visible and accessible.
Home security is a shared responsibility, and ensuring everyone is informed and involved makes all the difference. With these practices for house guests and home security, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is as safe as possible.
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