Keeping homes safe: A guide to peace of mind during the holiday season

THIS SEASON OF JOY SHOULDN'T BE COMPROMISED BY SECURITY CONCERNS—IT'S ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN CELEBRATION AND SAFETY. PLAN AHEAD, STAY SAFE, AND ENJOY THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR WITH CONFIDENCE.

- By ZINNIA OLINARES

With the holiday season in full swing, safety and security experts are urging homeowners to stay vigilant as they deck their halls with festive decorations and prepare for family gatherings.

While recent Philippine National Police (PNP) data shows a promising 13% drop in index crimes from January to November compared to last year, authorities warn that the festive period traditionally sees an uptick in residential break-ins with unoccupied homes being prime targets, as well as fire incidents from faulty wiring and open flames.

Preparing your home with simple but effective measures can ensure your holidays remain memorable for all the right reasons.

TRAVEL-PROOF YOUR HOME

For families planning holiday getaways, experts emphasize the importance of making homes appear occupied. This includes installing light timers and asking trusted neighbors or relatives to periodically check on your property. They also caution against oversharing travel plans on social media platforms, as these posts can inadvertently alert potential burglars to empty homes.