Theholidays are a time for sharing warm memories with family and friends,celebrating another year together. It should be a happy time for all, a time ofgiving and receiving gifts both tangible and intangible. Unfortunately, unlessyou have a hired a Houston security systems company toprovide assurance for your safety, you may find that your happy season canbecome frustrating?and even frightening. Intruders see the holidays as a greatopportunity to steal cash, credit cards, electronics and other valuables fromunsuspecting homes and may ruin your otherwise joyous season. A home alarm isthe best way to protect your Houston home, but if you are not surethat you are ready for security alarm systems by a professional Houston company, you might also considerimplementing the following safety measures on your own:

• Don't make your tree too visible. Burglars generally look for an easy entry, fast grab and quick escape. Make it difficult for them to tell if your house is full of Christmas gifts by placing your tree in a less visible place.

• Don't advertise your absence. Occupancy clues like outdoor lights burning all day long, piled up papers and flyers and other clues will let burglars know that you are away for the holidays. Instead, use a light timer when you are going away, and ask a trusted neighbor to keep your driveway clear of paper and other debris.

• Don't hide a spare key near the front door. Experienced burglars know that many homeowners keep a hidden key near the front entrance, don't prove them right. Instead of hiding a key above the door ledge, under a rock or in a flowerpot, give it to a trusted neighbor. It is also a good idea to give that same neighbor the code to your home alarm in case of an emergency when you are not in your Houston home.

• Lock doors and windows. The vast majority of burglars would rather enter through an unlocked door or window, so keep all entrances locked securely. Most Houston security systems companies pay close attention to these areas; but holiday lights can pose a singular problem if an extension cord is run through a window and prevents it from closing securely.

• Refrain from posting your name on the mailbox. If you post your name, a burglar could simply call directory assistance, get your phone number and call to make sure you are not home prior to the intrusion.

• Leave a vague message on your answering machine. Houston security alarm systems cannot do the little things like leave a smart outgoing message on your answering machine, which means you will have to do this yourself. Never say that you are away for the holidays or when you will return, because then a prospective burglar will know how much time he or she has to go through your home.

• Don't pile up empty boxes from big-ticket gifts. Never advertise your new Christmas gifts by piling up empty boxes, since it only lets burglars know what they can hope to steal from you. It's best to break them down and cut them up to better conceal the items.

• Fortify your home. Keep your home as safe as you can by installing solid core doors, heavy duty door locks, and longer screws in every lock strike plate and door hinge. Above everything else, opt for Houston home security systems, including a home alarm, if you want to take every available precaution against intruders.

Forinformation about security systems for your Houston home, or to get advice about howyou can take safety precautions yourself, contact Safeguard Home Security at800-785-6488.