How to Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Vacations are a much-needed respite from the day-to-day grind, but the joy of going away can quickly be overshadowed by worries about the safety of your home. Unfortunately, empty homes are a prime target for burglars and criminals. When you're out of town, your house is vulnerable to break-ins, theft, and vandalism. That's why it's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure your home is secure while you're away.

In this guide, we will explore various strategies and tips to keep your home safe while on vacation. These include both traditional security measures and modern technological solutions that can give you peace of mind during your absence.

Secure All Entry Points

The first line of defense in any home security strategy is ensuring all entry points are locked and secured. Burglars typically look for easy access points, so it's important to make it as difficult as possible for them to get inside.

a. Doors and Windows

• Deadbolt Locks: Make sure all exterior doors have high-quality deadbolt locks. Deadbolts are harder to force open than standard doorknob locks, making them a more secure choice.
• Sliding Glass Doors: If you have sliding glass doors, consider installing a security bar or a dowel rod in the track. This prevents burglars from forcing the door open.
• Window Locks: Ensure all windows are locked tightly. In addition, consider adding window security locks, which are specifically designed to make it harder for windows to be opened from the outside.
• Security Film: Apply security film to your windows, especially those at ground level. This film makes glass more resistant to shattering and can slow down burglars trying to break in.

b. Reinforce Doors

While locks are important, it's equally essential to ensure that your doors are structurally strong. If a door frame is weak, a determined burglar can easily break through it. Reinforce your doors with metal strike plates and solid wooden or steel frames. Consider installing an extra security measure, such as a peephole or a smart doorbell camera, to view who is at your door without opening it.

Use Smart Home Technology

Technology has advanced in recent years to make home security more accessible and effective. Smart devices can help monitor your home and give you real-time alerts while you're away, making it appear as though you're still at home.

a. Security Cameras

• Indoor and Outdoor Cameras: Install security cameras around the perimeter of your home. Outdoor cameras can monitor your front and back yards, while indoor cameras allow you to keep an eye on the interior of your house.
• Wi-Fi Cameras: Many modern security cameras operate over Wi-Fi, which means you can view live footage remotely via an app on your phone. Some even have two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone on your property if necessary.
• Motion Sensors: Some cameras are equipped with motion sensors, which will send you an alert when they detect movement. This can be particularly useful for monitoring areas like your driveway or backyard.

b. Smart Lighting

Burglars often look for homes with dark, unoccupied spaces. A home that is completely dark at night signals to criminals that no one is home. To make your house look occupied while you're away, use smart lighting systems.

• Automated Timers: Smart lighting can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times, simulating your usual routine.
• Motion-Activated Lights: In addition to automated timers, motion-activated lights can add an extra layer of security by illuminating areas around your house if anyone approaches.

c. Smart Locks and Keyless Entry

Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular as a more secure and convenient alternative to traditional locks. They can be controlled remotely, allowing you to lock or unlock doors from anywhere in the world. Some smart locks can also be set up to grant temporary access to visitors, such as a trusted neighbor or a house-sitter.

Set Up a Home Security System

A professional home security system is one of the best ways to protect your property while on vacation. These systems offer a variety of services, including monitoring, alarms, and rapid response in the event of a break-in.

a. Monitored Security System

A monitored security system is connected to a central station that will notify local authorities if a break-in is detected. If you invest in a monitored system, you can rest assured that any break-in attempt will trigger an alert, and the authorities will respond quickly.

b. Unmonitored Security System

An unmonitored system can still offer significant protection. These systems rely on loud alarms to scare off intruders and alert neighbors to a potential break-in. While they don't provide direct contact with law enforcement, they can still be effective in preventing theft.

c. Security Yard Signs and Stickers

Even if you don't have a security system, putting a yard sign or window stickers advertising a security system can deter potential burglars. Criminals often avoid homes with visible security features in favor of easier targets.

Engage a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

One of the simplest ways to protect your home while on vacation is by enlisting the help of a trusted friend or neighbor. They can keep an eye on your property, collect your mail, and even park their car in your driveway to make it look like someone is home.

a. House-Sitting Services

If you're going away for an extended period, you may want to consider hiring a professional house-sitter or asking a friend or family member to stay at your home. A house-sitter can provide a layer of security by physically being present at your home, deterring criminals and taking care of any issues that arise.

b. Mail and Newspaper Collection

An overflowing mailbox or newspapers piling up on your doorstep are obvious signs that no one is home. Ask your neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers while you're away. Alternatively, you can place a hold on mail delivery through the postal service to avoid this giveaway.

Create the Illusion of Occupancy

Burglars tend to target homes that appear unoccupied. By creating the illusion that someone is home, you can deter thieves from attempting to break in.

a. Use Timers for Electronics

In addition to lighting, you can use timers for your electronics, such as your TV or radio. Set them to turn on and off at different times of the day, making it look like you are at home and going about your usual activities.

b. Leave Curtains Open

While it's essential to keep valuables out of sight, you don't want your home to look abandoned. Leave curtains or blinds slightly open, as if you're at home, but avoid revealing items like expensive electronics or jewelry that might attract burglars.

c. Park Your Car in the Driveway

If you have a second vehicle or a family member's car, leave it parked in your driveway. An empty driveway is a clear indicator that no one is home, but a parked car creates the illusion of occupancy.

Secure Your Valuables

Even with all the precautions in place, it's important to protect your valuables, just in case a break-in does occur.

a. Use a Safe

Store valuable items, such as jewelry, important documents, and electronics, in a high-quality safe. Choose a safe that is both fireproof and waterproof, and make sure it is anchored to the floor so it cannot be easily removed.

b. Remove or Hide Valuables

If you don't have a safe, remove or hide your valuables in places burglars are unlikely to look. Avoid leaving expensive items like electronics or jewelry in plain sight through windows.

c. Record Serial Numbers

Make a list of the serial numbers of your valuables, including electronics, jewelry, and expensive tools. This can help law enforcement track down stolen items if your home is targeted by burglars.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Before you head out on vacation, it's important to review your home insurance policy. Make sure it provides adequate coverage in case of theft, vandalism, or other types of damage while you're away. Some policies offer additional coverage for specific risks associated with vacations, such as coverage for lost or stolen luggage or personal items.

Avoid Advertising Your Absence

In the age of social media, it's tempting to share your vacation photos and experiences in real-time. However, posting about your vacation while you're away can alert criminals to the fact that your home is unoccupied.

a. Delay Social Media Posts

Consider waiting until you return home to post vacation photos on social media. This reduces the risk of potential burglars knowing your house is empty. If you do need to share updates, consider using privacy settings to control who can see your posts.

b. Notify Trusted Individuals Only

Inform only trusted family members, friends, or neighbors about your travel plans. Avoid posting your travel itinerary or departure dates publicly.

Conclusion

Keeping your home safe while on vacation requires a combination of proactive security measures and smart planning. From ensuring all entry points are secured and using technology to monitor your property, to creating the illusion of occupancy and involving trusted neighbors, there are many steps you can take to protect your home from theft or damage. By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, knowing that your home is safe and secure.

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