Home Safety for the Holidays: Tips from Viking 6 Tactical

The holiday season is a magical time of year, filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. While it’s a season of joy and goodwill, it also brings unique safety risks that can disrupt the festivities if not addressed. From potential break-ins to fire hazards and package theft, the holidays require proactive planning to ensure your home remains a safe haven.

At Viking 6 Tactical, we specialize in empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the common risks homeowners face during the holidays and provide actionable steps to mitigate those risks, helping you enjoy the season with peace of mind.

Why Home Safety Matters During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time when homes are more vulnerable to safety and security threats. Consider these statistics:

Burglaries increase by 20% in December, as thieves target homes filled with expensive gifts and travel-related absences.
Holiday decorations contribute to over 700 house fires annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Porch piracy, or the theft of delivered packages, spikes significantly during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

While these risks are concerning, they’re also preventable. By taking the right precautions, you can protect your home and family from these potential dangers.

1. Securing Your Home Against Intrusions

One of the most significant risks during the holiday season is burglary. Thieves are opportunistic, and visible holiday decorations or packages can signal an easy target. Here’s how to safeguard your home:

Reinforce Doors and Windows

Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and ensure windows are equipped with strong, functional locks.
Consider reinforcing glass doors or windows with security film to make them harder to break.

Use Smart Security Technology

Install security cameras with motion detection and remote monitoring capabilities. Cameras not only deter criminals but also provide valuable evidence if a crime occurs.
Use smart doorbells that allow you to see and speak to visitors from your smartphone, even when you’re away.
Set motion-activated lights around entry points to make your home less appealing to intruders.

Create the Illusion of Occupancy

Use timers for lights and electronics to make it appear as though someone is home, even when you’re out or traveling.
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect mail and packages if you’re away for an extended period.

Limit Social Media Sharing

Avoid posting travel plans or photos of expensive gifts on social media. Thieves often monitor online activity to identify targets.

2. Preventing Fire Hazards

The holidays bring unique fire risks, from dry Christmas trees to overloaded electrical outlets. A little preparation can go a long way in preventing a potentially devastating fire.

Christmas Tree Safety

Water live trees daily to prevent them from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Place trees at least three feet away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters.
Use lights that are labeled for indoor use and check them for frayed wires or broken bulbs before decorating.

Candle Safety

Never leave candles unattended. Opt for flameless LED candles for a safer alternative.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from flammable materials, including curtains, decorations, and trees.

Electrical Safety

Avoid overloading outlets and circuits with too many holiday lights or appliances. Use surge protectors where needed.
Inspect extension cords for wear and tear and replace any damaged ones immediately.

Kitchen Safety

The holidays often involve cooking large meals, which increases the risk of kitchen fires. Never leave the stove unattended and keep a fire extinguisher accessible.

3. Protecting Delivered Packages

Online shopping is more popular than ever during the holiday season, but it also comes with the risk of package theft, commonly referred to as porch piracy.

Use Secure Delivery Options

Opt for delivery lockers or require a signature for package delivery.
If possible, schedule deliveries for times when you’re home.

Install a Package Drop Box

Secure package drop boxes provide a safe place for deliveries, reducing the risk of theft.

Monitor Deliveries with Cameras

Position security cameras to cover your front porch or delivery area. Visible cameras often deter thieves.

Act Quickly

Retrieve packages as soon as possible after they’re delivered. If you’re unavailable, ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up for you.

4. Holiday Parties and Guests

Welcoming guests into your home is a cherished holiday tradition, but it’s essential to maintain safety during gatherings.

Secure Personal Belongings

If you’re hosting, designate a secure area for guests to store coats and bags.
Lock up valuables and firearms in a safe or secured area out of reach.

Childproof Your Home

If guests are bringing children, ensure hazardous items like cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp objects are safely stored.

Monitor Alcohol Consumption

Ensure responsible alcohol consumption at gatherings. Offer non-alcoholic options and encourage guests to arrange safe transportation if needed.

5. Emergency Preparedness for the Holidays

Emergencies don’t take a holiday, so it’s essential to be prepared for anything that might arise.

Have an Emergency Plan

Create a plan for evacuating your home in case of fire or other emergencies. Ensure all family members know the plan.
Designate a safe meeting point outside your home.

Stock Emergency Supplies

Keep a fully stocked emergency kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food.

Consider Professional Training

Viking 6 Tactical offers home safety consultations and training sessions to help families prepare for emergencies. From fire drills to self-defense strategies, we provide tailored guidance to keep your loved ones safe.

The Viking 6 Tactical Approach to Holiday Safety

At Viking 6 Tactical, we understand that the holidays can be both joyful and stressful. Our mission is to help you focus on the joy by reducing the stress associated with safety concerns. We offer:

Home safety evaluations to identify potential risks and suggest improvements.
Situational awareness training to help you recognize and avoid potential threats.
Firearms safety and storage classes to ensure responsible firearm ownership.

Our training programs are designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe during the holidays and beyond.

Final Thoughts

The holidays should be a time of celebration and togetherness, not worry. By taking proactive steps to secure your home, prevent fire hazards, and protect deliveries, you can create a safe environment for your family and guests.

At Viking 6 Tactical, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us to schedule a home safety consultation or enroll in one of our training programs. Together, we can ensure this holiday season is filled with peace, joy, and security.