As much as we all love going on vacation, it can be nerve-wracking to leave our homes unattended. With the rise in home break-ins and burglaries, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions to protect your home while you’re away. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips for vacation security to give you peace of mind while you’re enjoying your well-deserved break.
Understanding the Risks
Before we dive into the tips for vacation security, let’s first discuss the risks involved. When you’re away from home, your property becomes a target for thieves and burglars. They’ll be looking for any signs that the house is unoccupied, such as mail piling up, no lights on at night, or uncut grass in the yard. So, it’s essential to take steps to make your home look occupied while you’re away.
Tip #1: Secure Your Doors and Windows
The first line of defense for your home is securing all doors and windows. Ensure that all locks are in good working condition and consider installing additional locks for added security. If you have sliding doors or windows, you can install a bar or a wooden dowel in the track to prevent them from being forced open.
Tip #2: Install a Home Security System
Investing in a home security system is one of the best ways to protect your home while you’re away. The system can include cameras, alarms, and motion detectors that can alert you and the authorities if there’s any suspicious activity around your property. Some systems even allow you to monitor your home remotely through your smartphone or other devices.
Tip #3: Don’t Advertise Your Vacation on Social Media
It’s essential to avoid posting about your vacation plans on social media. Burglars often scour social media sites to find out when people are away from home. They can use this information to plan their break-in. Wait until you return from vacation to share your photos and experiences.
Tip #4: Make Your Home Look Occupied
One of the best ways to deter burglars is by making your home look occupied while you’re away. You can do this by leaving a few lights on in different rooms or using a timer to turn the lights on and off at specific times. You can also ask a neighbor or friend to collect your mail, newspapers, and any deliveries that may arrive while you’re away.
Tip #5: Secure Your Valuables
Ensure that your valuables, such as jewelry, electronics, and important documents, are safely stored away before you leave for vacation. You can use a safe or a safety deposit box to store your items securely. Avoid leaving your valuables in plain sight, as this can attract burglars.
Tip #6: Install Motion-Activated Lights
Installing motion-activated lights around your property is another way to deter burglars. The lights will turn on automatically when someone approaches your home, making it difficult for thieves to remain undetected.
Tip #7: Hire a House Sitter
If you’re going away for an extended period, you may want to consider hiring a house sitter. A house sitter can help make your home look occupied by taking care of your pets, watering your plants, and performing other tasks around your home.
Tip #8: Keep Your Landscaping Maintained
Before you leave for vacation, ensure that your landscaping is well-maintained. Overgrown bushes and trees can provide cover for burglars, making it easier for them to break into your home unnoticed. Trim your trees and bushes and ensure that your lawn is mowed.
Tip #9: Inform Your Neighbors
Letting your neighbors know that you will be away is a good idea, as they can keep an eye on your property while you’re gone. Ask them to report any suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar people or vehicles in your driveway. You can also give them your contact information in case of an emergency.
Tip #10: Don’t Leave Spare Keys Outside
Leaving a spare key outside your home can be convenient, but it’s also a security risk. Burglars know all the common hiding places for spare keys, so it’s best to avoid leaving a key outside. Instead, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or family member.
Tip #11: Install Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices, such as doorbells with cameras, can help enhance your home security. These devices can alert you when someone is at your door, and some even allow you to communicate with the person remotely. You can also use smart locks to ensure that your doors are always locked, even if you forget to lock them before you leave.
Tip #12: Be Cautious of Service Providers
If you’ve hired a service provider, such as a cleaning service or a pet sitter, be cautious about who you allow into your home. Ensure that you’ve hired a reputable company or individual with good reviews and references.
Tip #13: Keep Your Garage Door Closed
An open garage door can be an invitation for burglars to enter your home. Ensure that your garage door is closed and locked before you leave for vacation. You can also install a garage door opener with a timer that will automatically close the door after a certain period.
Tip #14: Check Your Home Insurance Coverage
Before you leave for vacation, check your home insurance coverage. Ensure that your policy covers theft and damage, and that your coverage is up to date. If you have expensive items, such as jewelry or artwork, you may need additional coverage.
Tip #15: Have a Plan in Case of Emergency
Finally, it’s essential to have a plan in case of an emergency. Make sure that you have a list of emergency contacts, including the police, fire department, and your insurance provider. You can also consider installing a panic button that will alert the authorities in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Protecting your home while you’re away is essential to give you peace of mind while you’re on vacation. By following these tips for vacation security, you can help ensure that your home is safe and secure while you’re away. Remember to be cautious, make your home look occupied, and have a plan in case of an emergency.
FAQs
- Can I leave my lights on 24/7 while I’m away? It’s not recommended to leave your lights on 24/7, as this can attract unwanted attention. Instead, use a timer to turn your lights on and off at specific times.
- Should I notify my alarm company that I’ll be away on vacation? Yes, it’s a good idea to notify your alarm company that you’ll be away on vacation. They can make sure that your system is working correctly and can alert you and the authorities in case of any suspicious activity.
- Is it safe to post photos of my vacation on social media after I return? Yes, it’s safe to post photos of your vacation on social media after you return. Just avoid posting about your vacation plans while you’re away.
- How can I keep my landscaping maintained while I’m away? You can hire a landscaping company to maintain your landscaping while you’re away, or ask a neighbor or friend to take care of it for you.
- How long can I safely leave my home unattended? The length of time you can safely leave your home unattended depends on various factors, such as your home security