The holiday season is a time of joy, travel, celebration—and unfortunately, increased risk. From theft and home invasions to travel accidents and cybercrime, safety often takes a back seat during the hustle and bustle. At Brooks Defense Solutions, we believe preparation is the best form of protection. Here are practical safety strategies to help keep you, your family, and your property safe during the holidays.

1. Home Security While Traveling

Many break-ins occur when homes are obviously unoccupied—especially during the holiday season when families are away visiting relatives.

Tips:

• Avoid announcing travel plans online. Criminals often scan social media for vacation posts.
• Use smart home technology. Motion detection floodlights, smart security systems and home cams to simulate presence (Deep Sentinel).
• Ask a neighbor or friend to check your property, collect mail, and park in your driveway.

Bonus Tip: Display security signage (even if you don’t have a system), as visible deterrents can reduce burglary risk by 60% (UNC Charlotte Study). For a detailed checklist of tasks to improve your home security, purchase Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals (2nd Ed.) by Michael Martin.

2. Package Theft Prevention

Porch piracy spikes from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

Tips:

• Use package lockers, in-store pickup, or Amazon Hub.
• Install a doorbell camera to monitor deliveries and deter theft.
• Schedule deliveries when you’re home, or have them sent to a secure location.

14% (1 in 7 Americans) have fallen victim to porch pirates in 2022 alone (C+R Research), and most occurring during daytime hours when homes are typically unoccupied.

3. Holiday Shopping Safety

Malls, markets, and online stores are prime targets for criminals during the holidays.

Tips:

• Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like texting or wearing both earbuds.
• Park in well-lit areas and lock your vehicle.
• Use credit cards, not debit cards, for stronger fraud protection.
• Don’t leave bags or gifts in plain view in your vehicle.

Online Shopping Tip: Only buy from secure websites (look for “https”) and avoid public Wi-Fi when entering personal or payment info (FTC, 2022).

4. Fire & Decor Safety

Holiday decorations create beauty—but also fire hazards.

Tips:

• Keep trees well-watered. Dry trees can catch fire in seconds (NFPA).
• Use flameless candles or keep real ones far from curtains, trees, or furniture.
• Inspect light cords for frays or loose bulbs before use.
• Turn off lights when sleeping or away.

5. Holiday Party Safety

Whether hosting or attending, holiday gatherings come with risks.

Tips:

• Never drink and drive. Use designated drivers, rideshare apps, or stay overnight.
• Watch your drink. Never leave it unattended to avoid tampering.
• Know your guests. Hosts can be held legally liable for incidents that occur after overserving alcohol depending on the state and local municipality (NOLO).
• Have a self-defense plan. In crowded public spaces, know your exits, concealment and cover options, and trust your instincts.

6. Cybersecurity During the Holidays

Holiday sales mean more online traffic—and more scams.

Tips:

• Beware of phishing emails and fake promotions.
• Use multi-factor authentication and update passwords before the season.
• Monitor bank accounts for unauthorized transactions.
• Educate children and elderly family members about online safety.

In 2022, consumers lost over $337 million to online shopping fraud during the holidays (FTC, 2022).

7. Travel Safety

If you’re on the road or flying this season:

Tips:

• Keep emergency kits in your vehicle with water, snacks, blankets, and tools.
• Verify travel plans and hotel bookings through legitimate sources.
• Don’t post real-time updates until you’re home.
• Inform a trusted person of your itinerary.

Final Thoughts

The holidays should be a time to relax and enjoy loved ones—but that doesn’t mean letting your guard down. With simple steps and situational awareness, you can make the season safer and more secure.

Want to take your personal and family protection to the next level? Reach out to us on Minnect or Smeeple and ask us about:

• Our training course options
• Personal defense gear and security products
• Home risk assessments and travel preparedness plans

Stay safe, stay prepared—and happy holidays from all of us at Brooks Defense Solutions.