🛡️ Holiday Home Security Guide for Whittier Home Sellers

📌 Introduction

Selling your home during the holiday season shouldn’t mean sacrificing safety and peace of mind. Between open houses, scheduled showings, and holiday travel, your property can become more vulnerable if you don’t plan ahead. This guide offers practical, easy-to-implement steps tailored for Whittier, CA homeowners who want to keep their property and belongings secure — all while maximizing appeal to potential buyers.

📞 Whittier Emergency & Community Safety Contacts

🔹 Emergency (Fire, Police, Medical): 911

Non-Emergency & Local Departments

• Police — Whittier Police Department: Whittier Police Department
  Non-emergency: (562) 567-9200 — helpful for reporting suspicious activity or non-urgent concerns. cityofwhittier.org

• Fire — Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Stations Serving Whittier:
  • Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 28
  • Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 15
  • Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 17
  • Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 59
  (These stations provide fire and medical first response in the Whittier area.) Wikipedia

📌 Tip: Save these numbers in your phone and clearly post emergency information for any caretakers or agents showing your home.

🏠 Home Security Tips While Your Home Is on the Market

1. Limit Home Access

• Schedule showings by appointment only and never allow unverified, unaccompanied entry. National Association of REALTORS®

• Consider restricting access to sensitive areas (like bedrooms or offices) unless necessary.

2. Secure Personal Items

• Remove or lock up valuables, prescription medications, and sensitive documents. National Association of REALTORS®

• Even items like family photos and mail can reveal private information — store them securely. National Association of REALTORS®

3. Use Technology to Monitor Your Property

• Install visible security cameras or smart doorbells (Ring, Nest, etc.). These deter theft and provide remote monitoring. The Close

• If you already have an alarm system, ensure only authorized people know the access method — avoid sharing unique alarm codes. EMC Security

4. Enhance Exterior Security

• Ensure doors and windows are solid, deadbolted, and locked between showings. boirealtors.com

• Add motion-sensor lighting around entrances and pathways.

5. Check the Home After Every Showing

• Confirm that all doors and windows are locked before you leave. boirealtors.com

• Walk through the home to ensure nothing is missing or out of place.

6. Communicate With Your Agent

• Maintain open communication with your real estate agent about showing schedules and security procedures.

🎄 Additional Holiday Safety Considerations

Decor & Lighting

• Keep holiday lighting and decorations secure and away from hazards like water or open flames. dds.ca.gov

Travel Plans

• Avoid broadcasting travel plans on social media, especially if showings are scheduled while you’re away. dds.ca.gov

• Ask a neighbor to collect mail and look after the home if you travel for the holidays. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

📚 Helpful Resources & Links

✔ National Association of Realtors’ Seller Safety Guide – Tips specific to property showings and protecting privacy. Consumer Guide: Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety (NAR)

✔ Whittier Alarm Permit Info – The city requires alarm systems to be registered so police have accurate contact info. Whittier Alarm Permit & FAQ Info

✔ City of Whittier Emergency Preparedness – Official city emergency planning resources. Whittier Emergency Management & Preparedness

✔ Holiday Safety Tips (CA Official) – General advice for safe holiday practices. Holiday Preparedness Tips (State of C