How to Keep Your Home Safe During a Summer Vacation
Posted on: 20 July 2018
When you are enjoying an out-of-town vacation, the last thing you want to be worrying about is your house. Here are just a few tips to help you keep your home safe while you are away.
Install a Security System
There are so many security options at your disposal, so you are sure to find a system in your price range. In fact, you could get a basic DIY kit with sensors for as little as $50, according to Costhelper. You can pay a flat fee for a basic system or you can pay a monthly or yearly fee from a security company. If you really want to outfit your house, you can look at an automated system. These systems not only protect the front door, but they can detect movement at other entry points like windows, the garage, and back doors. The highest quality systems also have cameras. Some of these automated systems come with apps so that you will be alerted on your phone and can contact the police to check out your home. Some security systems skip the middle man and directly contact the police in your area if there's a break-in.
Don't Post Your Plans on Social Media
Thieves will often stake out a residence before going in. It's important that you don't post specific dates of your absence on social media, since criminals could access this information. Instead, make sure that your social media accounts are private, so that if you do need to communicate this information, it won't fall into the wrong hands. A better option is to not post details about your vacation at all. If you want to let others know about your plans, post photos after the trip is completed.
Have a Neighbor Check Your House Daily
Leave a spare key with a friend or family member you trust. They can pick up your mail and paper, turn on the porch lights in the evening, and check the door locks after leaving. Some companies, like Tele-Plus, know that if you keep your house dark and don't have automatic lights, the cover of darkness will make it easier for someone to break in. If you have a neighbor pick up your newspaper and mail, packages left on your doorstep won't be stolen.
Don't Leave a Spare Key Outside
Many people hide a spare key under their doormat or in a false rock or lawn ornament. Burglars will check these areas so they won't have to make a lot of noise when they break in. Be sure to remove these spare keys while you are gone.
Seal the Gap
A common way for burglars to get into a home is actually through the garage door. Although it's tricky to do, a person can use a wire hook at the top of the garage to hit the emergency release cord. There are security fixtures that you can install to seal the top gap of your garage so that this isn't possible
For more tips on how to keep your house safe, contact a communications and security professional in your area.
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