Traveling is exciting, but leaving your home vacant can cause anxiety about its security. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, taking steps to protect your property is essential. Here are some practical tips to help keep your home safe while you’re away.
Invest in a Home Security System
A home security system is your primary defense against potential intruders. Today’s modern systems come with features such as motion sensors, surveillance cameras, and remote monitoring, allowing you to monitor your home from your smartphone for peace of mind, no matter where you are.
Pro Tip:
Opt for a system with visible outdoor cameras or signage, as this can effectively deter burglars from targeting your home.
Keep Your Absence Private for Better Security
It’s easy to want to share your travel excitement on social media, but doing so can alert burglars to an empty house. Hold off on posting your travel dates or plans until you’re back.
Pro Tip:
Ask a neighbor or friend to collect your mail and newspapers while you’re away to avoid making your home look vacant.
Improve Security by Upgrading Your Locks
Weak locks can make your home vulnerable to burglars. Make sure all entry points, including doors and windows, are equipped with secure locks. Deadbolts and smart locks are great choices for enhancing your home’s security.
Pro Tip:
Reinforce sliding glass doors with a rod or bar to prevent them from being forced open.
Keep Your Home Safe with Smart Lighting
Smart lighting systems can create the illusion of activity in your home, making it appear occupied and less inviting to burglars. Set timers for lights to turn on and off at various intervals in different rooms, mimicking your normal routines.
Pro Tip:
Pair your smart lights with voice-activated systems to make your home seem inhabited, even if you’re far away.
Ask Neighbors to Help Watch Your Home
Good relationships with your neighbors can greatly improve your home’s security while you’re away. Let a trusted neighbor know about your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property.
Pro Tip:
Give your neighbor a spare key and your contact information for emergencies.
Keep Your Valuables Secure
Keep valuable items such as jewelry, cash, and important documents in a secure safe. If you don’t have a home safe, consider renting a safety deposit box at your bank. Avoid leaving valuables visible through windows, as this can attract burglars.
Pro Tip:
Store electronics in discreet places, as they are common targets for thieves.
Install Outdoor Cameras for Better Security
Outdoor cameras help deter burglars and provide valuable evidence if a break-in occurs. Place them at key entry points like the front door, back door, and garage.
Pro Tip:
Opt for cameras with night vision and motion detection for enhanced security.
Unplug Electronics to Save Energy and Prevent Risks
Unplugging electronics reduces the risk of electrical fires and protects devices from power surges. This includes items like televisions, computers, and kitchen appliances.
Pro Tip:
For essential devices that need to remain plugged in, such as your security system, use a surge protector.
Enhance Security with a Video Doorbell
Video doorbells are becoming more popular due to their convenience and ability to deter crime. These devices allow you to see and communicate with anyone at your door, even when you’re away.
Pro Tip:
Choose a video doorbell with cloud storage for easy access to recordings if necessary.
Keep Your Yard Neat for Better Security
An overgrown yard can indicate that no one is home. Before leaving, mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and clear away any debris.
Pro Tip:
If you’ll be away for a long time, hire a landscaper to keep your yard looking neat and maintained.
Avoid Hiding Spare Keys Outside
Burglars know where to look for spare keys hidden under mats or in flowerpots. It’s safer to leave your spare key with someone you trust instead.
Pro Tip:
If you need a secure place to store a spare key, invest in a lockbox.
Use Alarm Signs to Deter Burglars
Even without a security system, alarm signs or stickers on windows and doors can act as a deterrent. Burglars typically prefer easy targets, and these signs can make them reconsider your home.
Pro Tip:
Place alarm signs in visible spots, such as your front yard and near entry points.
Pause Deliveries to Avoid Signaling Your Absence
A pile of packages or newspapers outside your door can signal that no one is home. Pause mail and package deliveries or ask a friend to pick them up for you.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of vacation hold services from your local post office to manage your mail while you’re away.
Use Home Automation for Extra Security
Home automation systems let you control key aspects of your home, like lighting, temperature, and security cameras, from anywhere. This gives you complete control over your home’s security, even when you’re away.
Pro Tip:
Integrate home automation with your security system for easy and seamless management.
Notify Your Local Police Department for Extra Protection
In some areas, local police departments offer vacation watch services, where officers will patrol your home while you’re away to ensure everything remains secure.
Pro Tip:
Provide the police with your contact information and details of anyone authorized to be on your property.
Enhance Security with Motion-Activated Lights
Dark spots around your home can offer cover for burglars. Motion-activated lights help deter intruders by illuminating areas whenever movement is detected.
Pro Tip:
Place these lights near entry points and along pathways for added security.
Double-Check Before Leaving
Before you head out, take a final walk-through to make sure all windows and doors are locked, alarms are armed, and lights are set.
Pro Tip:
Create a checklist to make sure nothing is missed before you leave.
By following these tips, you can travel with confidence, knowing your home is secure. Security is all about preparation and vigilance, so take the necessary steps to protect your home and enjoy a stress-free trip!