Vacations are an excellent amount of time spent over leisure and adventure, yet at times they turn out to be an opportunity for burglars and other security hazards. The key to making sure your home stays safe during the period you are away is simply a bit of planning and vigilance. Take a few steps proactively and you can rest assured that your property is safe, as you set off to enjoy every moment of your time off. Herein are some easy tips for securing your house from burglars while you are away on vacation.
Lock All Entry Points
Before leaving for vacation, always inspect your entry points. Ensure that everything, including your doors and windows, is properly locked up. If not yet done, replace your exterior door locks with high-quality deadbolts wherever possible. You can fit window locks or security bars on windows for additional protection. That includes the sliding glass doors, which can be locked and then can be secured with either a security bar or sliding door lock for extra protection from being easily forced.
Install a Security System
One of the best options of security to protect your property while away is through a strong home security system. Modern home security systems range from motion sensors to cameras and into alarms. Consider purchasing a system that allows you to view the action at your home from your smartphone or computer when away from your property. Alerts are possible in some of these systems where the device senses some sort of foul play. Installation of a security system, if you haven’t got one, before leaving on your trip may be prudent. This may simply be a driveway alarm.
Smart home technologies
Others, like smart lights, can be scheduled so that it would look like someone was home because they would automatically turn on and off at times when you would normally do this yourself. With smart locks, one is able to know and control who comes into their home from any part of the world, while smart cameras stream video in real time. Once you incorporate such gadgets into your security plan for your house, you’ll see what is taking place on your property without necessarily being physically present. Avail Info to Trusted Neighbors
Another brilliant idea for security is informing trusted neighbors about one’s absence. Instruct them to look after your place and collect your mail and packages. Mail or packages piling up on the doorstep act like an invitation for burglars, as this essentially says no one is home. Neighbors will also be in a good position to inform you of any suspicious activities and also help in ensuring your property remains very secure.
Don’t Advertise Your Plans
Irresistible as this may be, do not announce your vacation plans via the social networking sites. In fact, do not make such an announcement until you get back from your vacation. Making your absence from home public can only encourage burglary. It encourages burglary because thieves may actually target a certain neighborhood due to information published via social networks.
Keep your plans to yourself and let people in need know such details only. Be also very careful about discussing the details of your trip with someone you are not particularly close with.
Securing Your Valuables
Lock up valuables like jewels, significant documents, and electronics. You may also store very valuable items in a safe or a lockbox. Anything that you don’t need to take with you, store at some hidden or obscure location, so as to minimize any chance of theft.
Check Your Insurance
Check your home insurance policy and make sure you have adequate coverage in case someone breaks in or causes damage while you’re away from town. Know how to file a claim and keep a copy of your inventory with you in case you need to file a claim.
Use Timers and Automation
Timers can be used to give an illusion of occupancy for lights and electronics. Program your lights to turn on and off at various times, and think about using a timer for a radio or television. This can help simulate normal household activity and deter any would-be burglars.
Conclusion
These cautionary measures, if taken before one embarks on vacation, will considerably reduce the possibility of burglary of one’s house.
These include securing the entry points, making use of technology, informing the neighbors, and maintaining your property. In this way, one can go out for enjoyment without keeping their fingers crossed about the safety of their house. The bottom line is quite simple: to protect your home while you are on vacation, preparation and vigilance are important.
