Traveling can be a fun and exciting experience, but leaving your home behind often comes with worries about its security. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a longer vacation, taking steps to protect your home is crucial. Below are some practical tips to help keep your property secure while you’re away.
Ensure Peace of Mind with a Home Security System
A good home security system is your first defense against unwanted intruders. With advanced features like motion sensors, cameras, and remote access via smartphone, modern security systems offer continuous peace of mind.
Pro Tip:
Invest in a system with visible outdoor cameras or signage, as it’s one of the most effective deterrents against burglary.
Don’t Announce Your Absence to Protect Your Property
While sharing your travel plans on social media can be tempting, it can also make your home vulnerable to break-ins. Avoid posting specific details like when you’re leaving or returning until after you’ve safely returned.
Pro Tip:
Have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers to make sure your home doesn’t appear unattended.
Secure Your Home with Upgraded Locks
Weak locks provide an open invitation for burglars. Ensure that all entry points have secure locks, such as deadbolts or smart locks, to keep your home safe.
Pro Tip:
Strengthen sliding glass doors with a rod or bar to prevent them from being forced open.
Keep Your Home Looking Lived-in with Smart Lighting
Smart lighting can give the illusion of activity in your home, making it less appealing to potential burglars. Set lights to turn on and off at random intervals to simulate everyday life.
Pro Tip:
Integrate your smart lights with voice-activated systems to make it appear as though someone is home, even when you’re far away.
Ask Neighbors to Help Watch Your Home
Good relationships with neighbors can enhance your home’s security when you’re traveling. Let a reliable neighbor know about your plans and ask them to watch your property while you’re gone.
Pro Tip:
Provide your neighbor with a spare key and emergency contact information for peace of mind.
Protect Your Belongings by Securing Valuables
For added security, keep valuable items like jewelry, cash, and important documents in a safe. If you don’t have one at home, renting a safety deposit box at your bank is a good alternative. Avoid leaving valuables visible through windows.
Pro Tip:
Hide your electronic devices in discreet places, as these are prime targets for theft.
Put Up Outdoor Cameras for Added Safety
Outdoor cameras are great for deterring burglars and recording evidence during a break-in. Place them at strategic entry points such as the front door, back door, and garage.
Pro Tip:
Invest in cameras with motion detection and night vision to improve your home’s security.
Unplug Electronics to Avoid Power Surges and Hazards
Unplugging your electronics reduces fire risks and protects your devices from power surges. This includes items such as televisions, computers, and kitchen appliances.
Pro Tip:
To keep essential devices, like your security system, safe, use a surge protector instead of leaving them plugged in directly.
Protect Your Home with a Video Doorbell
Video doorbells are a great addition to home security, providing a way to see and speak to visitors, even if you’re not home.
Pro Tip:
Choose a video doorbell that offers cloud storage to keep recordings accessible for security purposes.
Keep Your Yard Organized to Reduce Security Risks
An overgrown or messy yard can signal an empty home. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and clear debris before you leave.
Pro Tip:
If you’re leaving for a while, hire a landscaper to maintain your yard’s appearance.
Keep Spare Keys Inside for Maximum Safety
Spare keys hidden under mats or in flowerpots are predictable and easy for burglars to find. Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend instead.
Pro Tip:
A lockbox is a secure alternative for storing a spare key.
Use Alarm Signs to Create a Security Barrier Around Your Home
Placing alarm signs or stickers on windows and doors can deter burglars, even if you don’t have a security system. Most burglars will avoid homes with visible security indicators.
Pro Tip:
Place alarm signs in visible locations, such as your front yard and near main entry points, to maximize their effect.
Pause Mail and Package Deliveries for Extra Security
A pile of packages or newspapers can signal that your home is unoccupied. Pause deliveries or have a friend pick them up for you while you’re away.
Pro Tip:
Utilize vacation hold services from your local post office to temporarily pause your mail delivery.
Enhance Your Home’s Security with Automation
With home automation, you can remotely control lighting, temperature, and security cameras, offering full control over your home’s security from a distance.
Pro Tip:
Connect home automation to your security system for smooth and efficient management.
Contact Your Local Police Department for Home Security
In some areas, police offer vacation watch services where they patrol your property while you’re away to maintain security.
Pro Tip:
Provide the police with your contact info and a list of authorized people to access your property while you’re on vacation.
Protect Your Property with Motion-Activated Lights
Dark spots around your property can hide burglars. Motion-activated lights help by brightening these areas whenever they detect movement, deterring intruders.
Pro Tip:
Install them near your doors and along pathways to enhance security.
Double-Check Doors and Windows Before You Leave
Before heading out, take a final walk-through to ensure that all windows and doors are locked, alarms are set, and lights are programmed properly.
Pro Tip:
Make a checklist to help ensure everything is in order before you leave.
With these security tips, you can travel with confidence, knowing your home is safe. Protecting your home requires preparation and vigilance, so take the necessary steps for a smooth and stress-free trip!