While traveling is a thrilling adventure, the worry about your home’s security can make leaving it unoccupied unsettling. Whether you’re away for a weekend or a more extended vacation, securing your property is essential. Here are some practical tips to help you protect your home while you’re away.
Secure Your Property by Investing in a Home Security System
A home security system is crucial for protecting your property from intruders. Today’s systems include motion sensors, surveillance cameras, and remote monitoring, providing you with the ability to monitor your home from anywhere via your smartphone.
Pro Tip:
Ensure your security system includes visible cameras or signage, as this alone can discourage burglars from attempting to break in.
Limit Social Media Posts While You’re Away
Sharing your travel details online can make your home an easy target for burglars. Wait until you’re home to post about your trip, and keep departure and return details private.
Pro Tip:
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in your mail and newspapers to make sure your home doesn’t look empty.
Invest in Upgraded Locks for Enhanced Safety
Burglars often target homes with weak locks. Upgrade the locks on all entry points, including doors and windows, with deadbolts or smart locks to improve your security.
Pro Tip:
Consider adding a rod or bar to your sliding glass doors to prevent forced entry.
Turn on Smart Lights for Extra Safety
Smart lighting systems can help protect your home by creating the illusion of occupancy. Set your lights to turn on and off at different times in different rooms to mimic typical routines.
Pro Tip:
Pair your smart lighting system with a voice-activated assistant to make it seem like someone is home, even if you’re across the world.
Ask Neighbors to Keep Watch Over Your Property
Building a strong relationship with your neighbors can make your home more secure while you’re away. Inform a trusted neighbor of your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property.
Pro Tip:
Leave a spare key and your contact information with your neighbor in case of emergencies.
Store Your Valuables Securely
Keep valuables such as jewelry, cash, and important papers in a secure safe. If you don’t have one at home, rent a safety deposit box at your bank for added protection. Never display valuables in plain sight through windows.
Pro Tip:
Store electronics in hidden locations, as thieves often target them.
Place Outdoor Cameras to Keep Your Home Safe
Outdoor cameras not only deter criminals but also capture valuable footage in case of a break-in. Place them at entry points like doors and the garage.
Pro Tip:
Pick cameras that offer night vision and motion detection to maximize security.
Unplug Devices to Reduce Fire Risk and Save Energy
Unplugging your electronics reduces the chances of electrical fires and protects your devices from power surges. This includes common items like televisions, computers, and kitchen appliances.
Pro Tip:
For important devices that need to stay plugged in, such as your security system, use a surge protector.
Improve Home Security by Installing a Video Doorbell
Video doorbells offer security and peace of mind, letting you see and communicate with anyone at your door, even when you’re not around.
Pro Tip:
Invest in a video doorbell with cloud storage so you can retrieve recordings when necessary.
Maintain Your Yard for Added Home Security
An unkempt yard can suggest that your house is empty. Be sure to mow, trim, and remove debris before heading out.
Pro Tip:
For long trips, hire a landscaper to take care of your yard and keep it looking neat.
Don’t Hide Spare Keys Outside to Prevent Break-ins
Burglars are aware of the classic hiding spots like under mats or flowerpots. Instead, give a spare key to someone you trust.
Pro Tip:
Invest in a lockbox to securely store a spare key.
Install Alarm Signs to Protect Your Home
Even if you don’t have a security system, alarm signs or stickers on doors and windows can make your home less attractive to burglars. They prefer easier targets, so these signs may make them think twice.
Pro Tip:
Put the signs in prominent locations like your front yard and near doors and windows.
Hold Deliveries to Protect Your Home While You’re Gone
A collection of packages or newspapers outside your door can signal that your home is vacant. Pause deliveries or ask a neighbor to pick them up for you.
Pro Tip:
Consider using vacation hold services offered by your post office to temporarily manage your mail while away.
Control Security with Home Automation
With home automation, you can control lighting, temperature, and security cameras remotely, providing total control over your home’s security, no matter where you are.
Pro Tip:
Integrate home automation with your security system to manage everything in one place.
Alert Your Local Police for Peace of Mind
If available, vacation watch services offered by local police departments can help ensure your home stays secure while you’re away. Officers will patrol your home during your absence.
Pro Tip:
Inform the police of your contact information and anyone you’ve authorized to be on your property while you’re gone.
Set Up Motion-Activated Lights for Better Home Safety
Dark corners of your property can provide hiding spots for burglars. Motion-activated lights can help by illuminating these areas when movement is detected.
Pro Tip:
Install lights near entryways and along paths to boost security.
Do a Final Check Before Leaving Your Home
Walk through your home one last time to check that all windows and doors are locked, alarms are on, and lights are set.
Pro Tip:
Create a checklist to help you remember all the important steps before leaving.
Implementing these security tips will give you peace of mind while you’re away. Security is all about preparation and awareness, so take the necessary steps to protect your home and enjoy a stress-free trip!