The holiday season is just around the corner, and we want to help HOA boards ensure their homeowners have a safe and happy time! Here are some practical tips on how to handle many of the challenges homeowners may experience during this festive season:
Package Theft and Security
The holidays bring lots of deliveries and travel, which unfortunately can lead to package theft or other security issues. Encourage homeowners to stay vigilant by sharing these reminders:
- Arrange for packages to be delivered to a friend or neighbor if no one is home.
- Use package tracking services from companies like FedEx or UPS.
- Never leave shopping bags, electronics, or valuables in an unattended car, even in your driveway.
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles to prevent thieves from accessing the home. Do not forget to lock the door between the garage and the house!
- Set timers on lights, activate alarms, and let a neighbor know if you will be away for an extended time.
- Consider installing security systems like video doorbells to deter theft.
While these security concerns are more common during the holiday season, they do not have to ruin the festive mood if homeowners stay alert.
Keeping Your Home Safe While Away
Before heading off on holiday trips, homeowners should take a few simple steps to keep their homes secure:
- Avoid sharing travel plans online. Posting vacation details on social media can attract burglars.
- Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things! A trusted friend or neighbor can pick up mail, water plants, or park in your driveway to make it look like someone is home.
- If you have one, do not forget to set an alarm. If you have a home security system, make sure it is activated before you leave.
- Pick up any spare keys hidden outside. Burglars know all the common hiding spots for spare keys, so do not leave them under a mat or in a flowerpot.
- Lock up the garage. Whether it is attached or detached, secure all entry points to the garage before leaving.
Taking these precautions can reduce the chances of returning home to any unpleasant surprises after the holidays.
Parking Problems
Parking can become a headache during the holidays, especially in neighborhoods with limited space. To ease the pressure:
- Review your community’s parking rules and consider temporary adjustments to allow for more guest parking.
- Share parking guidelines with homeowners and their guests, making sure everyone knows where they can park and how long they can stay.
- Use community platforms, like Nextdoor or bulletin boards, to post updates on parking rules during the holiday season.
Alcohol at HOA Events
Holiday events are a wonderful way to bring neighbors together, but serving alcohol comes with its own set of risks. We generally advise against serving alcohol at HOA-sponsored events, but if a board chooses to allow it, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Limit alcohol options and discuss the event with your association’s attorney or insurance agent beforehand.
- Consider hiring licensed bartenders or caterers and security if the event will have more than 100 guests.
- Have a clear policy in place in case something goes wrong, like who to contact and what information needs to be gathered.
The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress. By addressing potential problems like package theft, home security, parking, and alcohol-related issues, you can help everyone enjoy the season safely and happily! For more HOA management tips be sure to visit our blog, or for help managing your HOA community contact us today for a free quote.
