Tips to keep your home safe this holiday season

Many people intend to travel throughout the holiday season. This year, AAA forecasts that more than 50 million individuals will travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving.

With this in mind, experts propose certain home security techniques to keep burglars and the weather out.

Before leaving the residence, Duke Energy suggests that all nooks and crannies are securely sealed.

“One of the quickest energy-saving jobs you can perform is to caulk, seal, and weather-strip all visible seams, gaps, and openings to the outside.” “And this can save you 10 to 20% on your heating and cooling expenditures,” said Duke Energy Lead Communications Manager Logan Kureczka.

Kureczka also advised lowering the temperature and unplugging equipment while not in use.

“If you’re going to leave, perhaps for vacation or the holidays, you don’t want that heat to run too much,” Kureczka explained. “So, turn it all the way down, as low as you’re willing to go.”

Greenville Police Chief Ted Sauls advised residents to double-check that all doors and windows are securely fastened, keeping both the elements and intruders out.

“Doors, windows, and automobiles. “Check that they are locked.” “People fail to perform the most basic thing that we think of sometimes in terms of locking doors and windows and our vehicles,” Sauls added.

Sauls also advised against leaving packages on the doorstep because it indicates that no one is home.

“A huge priority is shipments, making sure items aren’t dropped off and left unattended,” Sauls added. “You’re not asking someone looking to do anything wrong to simply walk up and take your stuff.”

He also recommends people inform their neighbors about their vacation, including when they will leave and return.

“If you don’t know your neighbors, it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet your neighbors and kind of care after each other’s property.” “Because I know what you drive better than anyone, and you know what I drive and who should or should not be there,” Sauls explained.

Sauls advises people to engage in “target hardening.”

“So, make it difficult, and I like to call it “target hardening,” “make it uninviting to the criminal element,” and most of what you’re going to encounter over the holiday season should be avoided,” Sauls said.