Warmer weather means one thing, people are packing up their bags and getting ready to take their summer vacation! Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine seaside or visiting family, the last thing that should be concerning you is what is happening back at home.
All trips take some degree of planning—one of the most critical aspects of vacation preparation takes place before you embark on your adventure and it is home security. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks for a safe, secure home while you’re away.
Leverage Technology
Technology will be your best friend while you’re on the road as some technologies let us monitor and control our homes from anywhere in the world. To lower your chances of being burglarized, we highly recommend investing in a robust home security system and outdoor security lights. Other technologies, such as programmable thermostats and light timers, will help keep your utilities bills reasonable.
Secure Your Home
Though it might seem obvious, ensuring your property is locked down is essential. Securing the grounds includes locking doors and windows, shutting the garage door and, if applicable, closing any entrance or gate to the property. To avoid any unwanted visitors, temporarily remove any spare keys that might be outside. Keeping your home safe doesn’t stop with outdoor precautions—ensure all valuables are out of sight inside and unnecessary appliances are unplugged.
Appear to Be Present
Your home is far less likely to fall victim to crime if the home appears occupied. To stimulate a human presence, arrange for your yard to be taken care of, temporarily place your mail on hold and leave a car in the driveway. Also, as temping as it is, don’t post pictures that obviously show you’re away from home on social media—you never know who is able to see you online!
Communicate with Neighbors
Presuming you trust your neighbors, it’s a great idea to let them know what days you’ll be out of town so they can keep a watchful eye out if you’ve arranged for at-home pet care or any other activities that require visitors. If you have a close friend nearby, you might consider temporarily sharing a spare key in case of an emergency.
Now that you have peace of mind knowing you’ll return home to no unwanted surprises, it’s time to go full on relaxation mode and enjoy your much-needed vacation!
