There’s nothing worse than coming back from a relaxing vacation to find your home has been broken into. But fear not! Secure Your Home During Vacations with some simple tips and tricks, you can ensure your home stays safe and secure while you’re away. From making it look like someone is still home to investing in smart security systems, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let’s make sure your home is vacation-ready!
Preparation is Key
Before you begin on your much-needed vacation, it’s vital to take some time to prepare your home for your absence. Making sure everything is in order before you leave will not only give you peace of mind but also help prevent any potential issues while you’re away.
Make a Pre-Vacation Checklist
Make a checklist of tasks to complete before you leave, such as locking all doors and windows, setting timers for lights to make it seem like someone is home, stopping mail and newspaper deliveries, and arranging for someone to check on your property periodically. By ticking off each item on your list, you can ensure that your home is secure and ready for your vacation.
Inform Your Neighbors and Local Authorities
With the rise of community-oriented policing, many local authorities encourage residents to inform them when they will be away for an extended period. Additionally, letting your neighbors know about your vacation plans can create a network of support, with them keeping an eye on your property and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities. This added layer of security can make a big difference in keeping your home safe while you’re away.
Plus, some police departments offer vacation checks where officers will physically inspect your property while you’re away. Taking advantage of these services can provide extra peace of mind knowing that professionals are looking out for your home in your absence.
Secure Your Home’s Exterior
Outdoor Lighting: Deterrent or Invitation?
You might think that a dark house appears uninhabited, but to a burglar, it’s an open invitation. Installing outdoor lighting can be a game-changer when it comes to securing your home. Motion-sensor lights are a great option as they startle potential intruders and alert you to any activity around your property.
Locks and Deadbolts: The First Line of Defense
With locks and deadbolts, you’re not just keeping the bad guys out; you’re also ensuring your peace of mind while sipping cocktails on a faraway beach. Make sure all exterior doors have high-quality deadbolts and consider upgrading to smart locks for added security. These locks can be controlled remotely, meaning you can lock and unlock your doors from anywhere in the world.
Deterrent: Adding a strike plate and longer screws to your door frame can make it harder to kick in, giving you an extra layer of protection. Bear in mind, a determined burglar won’t let a flimsy lock stop them, so beef up your door security to keep them at bay.
Keep Landscaping Under Control
For a burglar, overgrown shrubs and trees can provide the perfect hiding spot while they scope out your home. Keep your landscaping well-maintained, especially around windows and entry points. Trim back any plants that obscure the view of your house from the street, eliminating potential hiding spots for intruders.
Keep: Bear in mind, the goal is to make your home an unattractive target for burglars. By keeping your landscaping neat and tidy, you’re not only boosting your home’s curb appeal but also making it less appealing to those with malicious intent.
Protect Your Doors and Windows
Once again, when it comes to securing your home during vacations, paying attention to your doors and windows is crucial. These access points are the most vulnerable areas for potential intruders looking to break into your home. By taking a few simple steps, you can greatly improve the security of your doors and windows.
Reinforce Doors with Solid Core or Metal
Windows play a key role in the security of your home. Ensuring that they are secure can help prevent break-ins and intrusions. One effective way to improve window security is by installing security film on the windows. Security film is a transparent material that is applied to the glass, making it more difficult to break. This added layer of protection can deter burglars and give you peace of mind while you’re away on vacation.
Install Security Film on Windows
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to protect your windows is by installing security film. This thick, adhesive film adds an extra layer of protection to your windows, making it more difficult for intruders to break in. Security film is shatter-resistant and can help hold the window together even if it is broken, making it much harder for someone to gain access to your home. It’s a simple yet effective security measure that can make a big difference in keeping your home safe.
Consider Smart Door Locks and Keyless Entry
With advances in technology, smart door locks and keyless entry systems are becoming increasingly popular for home security. These systems allow you to control access to your home remotely, monitor who is entering and leaving, and even receive notifications on your smartphone. By upgrading to smart door locks and keyless entry, you can enhance the security of your home and have greater peace of mind while you’re away on vacation.
On top of providing added security, smart door locks and keyless entry systems offer convenience and flexibility. You can provide temporary access codes to house sitters or maintenance workers, track when doors are locked and unlocked, and even integrate the system with other smart home devices. These features make it easier to manage access to your home and ensure that it remains secure at all times.
Metal
When considering ways to secure your doors and windows, don’t overlook the benefits of metal reinforcements. Adding metal bars or grilles to your doors and windows can provide an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for intruders to gain access to your home. Metal reinforcements can act as a physical deterrent, deterring potential burglars from attempting to break in. While they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option, metal reinforcements can be highly effective in enhancing the security of your home.
Safeguard Your Valuables
Hide or Lock Away Valuables
One of the simplest ways to secure your valuables during vacations is to hide them in unexpected places or lock them away in a safe. Avoid leaving precious items like jewelry, important documents, or spare keys in obvious spots such as bedside tables or drawers. Instead, consider investing in a locked safe or security box to store these items securely.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence on Social Media
Away from home and eager to post those envy-inducing vacation photos? Think twice before broadcasting your absence on social media. While it’s tempting to share your adventures in real-time, oversharing can invite unwanted visitors. Instead, wait until you return to share your vacation memories online.
Posting about your trip in real-time can let potential burglars know that your home is vacant, making it an easy target. Consider adjusting your privacy settings to ensure that only trusted friends and family can see your posts.
Technology to the Rescue
Your vacation should be a time of relaxation and peace of mind, not worrying about the security of your home. Fortunately, modern technology offers a variety of tools to help you keep your home safe while you’re away.
Install a Home Security System
Install a home security system to keep your home safe while you’re on vacation. These systems can include sensors on doors and windows, motion detectors, and cameras to alert you and authorities of any suspicious activity. Many systems can be monitored and controlled remotely from your phone, giving you peace of mind wherever you are.
Use Smart Plugs to Control Appliances
One way to make it appear as though someone is home is by using smart plugs to control lights, TVs, and other appliances. You can schedule these devices to turn on and off at different times, giving the illusion that someone is moving around the house. This can deter potential burglars and make your home look occupied even when it’s not.
Another benefit of using smart plugs is the ability to control them remotely. If you forgot to set a timer for your lights, you can easily do so from your phone no matter where you are. This added level of convenience and security can give you peace of mind during your vacation.
Keep an Eye on Your Home with Security Cameras
Cameras are a great tool to help you keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Whether you opt for a single camera or a multi-camera system, you can monitor your property in real-time and receive alerts if any unusual activity is detected. Some cameras even have two-way audio, allowing you to speak to anyone on your property and potentially scare off intruders.
This added layer of security can give you peace of mind knowing that you can check in on your home at any time. Whether you want to see if a package has been delivered or just ensure that everything is as you left it, security cameras are a valuable tool for home security.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Now, here are some additional tips and tricks to ensure your home stays secure while you’re away on vacation.
Stop Newspaper and Mail Delivery
On top of putting a hold on your newspaper and mail delivery, consider asking a neighbor to keep an eye out for any unexpected packages or flyers that may accumulate on your doorstep. A buildup of mail or newspapers is a telltale sign to burglars that no one is home to collect them.
Unplug Electronics and Appliances
Appliances such as TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances consume energy even when they’re turned off. Unplugging them not only helps save on your energy bill but also eliminates the risk of any electrical malfunctions while you’re away.
Delivery: After unplugging your electronics and appliances, take it a step further by turning off your water supply to prevent any potential leaks while you’re not around to address them.
Leave a Key with a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
An extra layer of security involves leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend. In case of an emergency or if you need someone to check on your home, having a spare key readily available can be a lifesaver.
The key: The key can also come in handy if you accidentally lock yourself out upon your return from vacation. Just make sure to choose someone reliable and discreet to entrust with this responsibility.
Final Words
On the whole, securing your home during vacations doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the tips mentioned in this article, such as setting up timers, having a neighbor check on your home, and not publicizing your vacation plans on social media, you can have peace of mind while you’re away. Note, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in keeping your home safe and secure.
FAQ
Q: Why is it important to secure your home during vacations?
A: Securing your home during vacations is crucial to prevent break-ins and theft. It ensures that your property and belongings are safe while you’re away.
Q: What are some tips for securing your home while on vacation?
A: Some tips include notifying a trusted neighbor or friend, installing a security system, and avoiding posting travel plans on social media.
Q: Should I put a hold on my mail and newspaper deliveries while on vacation?
A: Yes, putting a hold on your mail and newspaper deliveries is a good idea to prevent them from piling up and signaling to potential intruders that you are away.
Q: Is it recommended to use timers on lights and electronic devices when on vacation?
A: Yes, using timers on lights and electronic devices can help create the illusion that someone is home, deterring burglars from targeting your property.
Q: How can landscaping help secure my home during vacations?
A: Trim back bushes and hedges near windows and doors to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders. Also, consider planting thorny bushes as an additional deterrent.
Q: Should I inform my home security company when going on vacation?
A: Yes, informing your home security company about your vacation plans allows them to provide additional monitoring and support while you are away.
Q: What should I do with spare keys before going on vacation?
A: Avoid hiding spare keys outside while on vacation. Instead, give a trusted neighbor or friend a spare key to check on your home periodically.