Protecting Your Home While Traveling - Security Tips for When You're Away

Leaving for vacation is exciting, but the thrill of exploring new places can be dampened by worries about your home's security.  No one wants to return from a relaxing getaway to find their haven violated.  Fortunately, with a bit of planning and some clever strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Laying the Groundwork for a Secure Home

Lock up tight; this might seem obvious, but it's worth emphasizing.  Double-check all doors and windows, including those often overlooked, like basement windows or the door to your attached garage.  Consider reinforcing sliding doors with a dowel or security bar for extra protection.

Hold the mail and deliveries. A pile of mail or packages on your doorstep is a clear sign that you're away.  Contact the post office to hold your mail and suspend or redirect any regular deliveries like newspapers or meal kits.

Don't advertise your absence. Avoid posting about your travel plans on social media until after you return.  Burglars often scout potential targets online, and broadcasting your empty house is an open invitation.

Enlist a trusted neighbor. A watchful neighbor is one of your best defenses.  Ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your property, collect any flyers or deliveries that slip through, and maybe even park their car in your driveway occasionally.

Set timers on interior lights to turn on and off at various times, mimicking your usual patterns. Even better are smart home lights, which you can randomly turn on and off or set on a schedule.

Leave a radio or TV on a timer, or use a smart speaker to play music or podcasts intermittently. This will create sound simulation making it seem as though people are home.

Tech to the Rescue - Smart Home Security Solutions

Ditch the hidden spare key (burglars know all the hiding spots!).  Smart locks allow you to grant temporary access codes to trusted individuals (like your neighbor or pet sitter) and monitor who comes and goes.

Visible security cameras act as a powerful deterrent.  Choose from wired or wireless options, with features like motion detection, night vision, and remote viewing via your smartphone.

See and speak to anyone at your door, even when you're miles away with security cameras with speakers or remote access video doorbells.  Receive alerts on your phone and even record footage if someone approaches your home.

For comprehensive protection, consider a smart home security system.  These systems often include a combination of sensors, alarms, cameras, and professional monitoring services, all controllable from your phone.

Don't Forget the Details

As mentioned earlier with the mail, a pile of newspapers is a telltale sign of an empty house. Temporarily stop your subscription or have a neighbor collect them, or just switch to the more efficient digital editions.

Unplug unnecessary electronics to save energy and reduce the risk of electrical fires and save a little on the power bill to cover those beachfront drinks.

Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature, but avoid turning it off completely, especially in colder climates where pipes could freeze. A smart thermostat can compensate for temperature aberrations, but it will also turn the compressor on and off to make it seem like someone is inside.

Store valuable jewelry, documents, and small electronics in a safe or a secure off-site location like a safety deposit box.

If you have a professional security system, notify the company of your travel dates so they are aware of your absence. This will make it faster for them to dispatch a response in the event of an alarm rather than waiting to confirm with the homeowner.

A Safe and Smooth Re-entry

Don't announce your return and resist the urge to post "I'm back!" on social media immediately.  Wait a day or two to avoid alerting potential thieves who may be monitoring your activity. Before entering your home, inspect doors, windows, and locks for any signs of tampering.  If something seems amiss, do not enter and contact the authorities immediately.

By following these tips and implementing a few smart security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins while you're away. There are few things worse than not knowing if you can trust your home to be safe and secure, so take the time to increase your odds with a little vigilance and a lot of preparation. Enjoy your travels knowing that your home is well-protected and waiting for your safe return.

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