Autumn Home Safety Advice

Keep your home secure in longer, darker hours with CSS’s top tips for home safety this autumn.

While keeping warm is very important during the winter months, making sure your home is secure as the nights get longer is also vital to protect your family. Believing you live in safe area may lead to complacency about your home safety, but opportunistic thieves use the cover of darkness to their advantage and unfortunately home break-ins increase over autumn and winter.

Here are some autumn home safety tips to help protect your home during the longer, darker nights (and days).

1. Check your home security systems

During your autumn garden clean-up you should also make sure your CCTV and alarm systems are all in good working order, e.g. lenses and motion detectors are clear of interference and debris like dead leaves, dust and dirt. If you have security lights make sure their power supplies are topped up for the extended darker hours and backup supplies are stored in an accessible, dry place.

2. Make sure doors and windows are secure
Check all the locks on your windows are in good condition and that all accessible doors and windows in particular have working locks. Extra protections like deadbolts are also available.

It’s also a good idea to clean your windows and glass doors so you can see what’s going on outside your house and in the garden.

We advise you to change the locks if you’ve recently moved into a new property – you don’t know the full history of the previous occupants or their experience of living in the house.

3. Check your fire safety plans

The increase in heat in the house, whether it’s from cooking, using heaters, an open fire or candles, increases the chance of a home fire. Home fires are unfortunately more common in the colder months but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Make sure your smoke and heat alarms are all in good working order. The new interlinked system means when one device is activated all the alarms will sound.

The law changed in Scotland in 2022 so all homes should have interlinked fire and smoke alarms. If you haven’t yet upgraded your smoke alarms to comply with the new legislation, contact us as soon as possible for a visit and installation.

Turn off all heat-producing appliances and items when not in use and especially before you go to bed. This includes heaters, items plugged into extension cords, things like hairdryers and straighteners and of course ovens and hobs. Never leave cigarettes, cigars, candles or your fire unattended or left to burn – always extinguish candles and dispose of fire ashes carefully. Also consider getting your chimney inspected or swept to prevent a buildup of dangerous emissions and to keep it working safely.

You should also have a fire escape plan for your home and make sure everyone who lives with you knows what to do in the event of a house fire.

4. Always lock up your home and outbuildings

Lock your doors every time you leave the house, even for short periods and even if someone is at home, especially pets, children or vulnerable loved ones. A quick trip to the shop can be an opportunity for a burglar on the look-out for a quick steal – from the TV to your second vehicle.

Also ensure all tools, garden equipment and ladders are safely stored out of sight as these can all be used to gain entry to your home or garage. Take no chances.

5. Make your home look occupied

If you’re leaving your house before dark, use a timer or smart automation system to turn the lights on so the house looks occupied. Close over blinds and curtains too to avoid attention from nosy passers-by. IDES is part of Connelly Group Holdings and can provide advice on automation for your home.

If you’re going on holiday, pack your car or take your luggage to the taxi as quickly as possible. Again, an automation system or timer should be used to give the illusion of occupancy during your absence, especially in darker hours. Arrange deliveries and bin schedules with a trusted neighbour so it’s not obvious you’re not at home. Read more of our Holiday Advice for Homeowners.

Related items:

Read our Simple Home Security Tips for year-round home security.

Contact us today for a free security quote.