If you’re looking to improve your home security while on vacation, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll share some expert tips to help keep your home safe and sound while you’re away. With a little planning and preparation, you can rest assured that your vacation home will be secure.
Keep valuables out of sight
Although you may feel like your home is your castle, it’s important to remember that vacation homes are often targeted by thieves looking for easy pickings. To deter thieves, it’s best to keep valuables out of sight and make it appear as if no one is home. If you have a safe, use it to store small electronics, jewelry, and other items that could be tempting to thieves. If you don’t have a safe, consider hiding valuables in difficult-to-reach places, like the back of a closet or under a mattress. It’s also important to make sure your home looks lived in while you’re away. If possible, have a friend or neighbor check on your home periodically to ensure everything is in order. If you’re gone for an extended period of time, consider investing in a timer for your lights so it looks like someone is home even when you’re not.
Invest in a good quality security system
A good quality security system is one of the best investments you can make in your vacation home. A high-end system with all the bells and whistles may cost a bit more upfront, but it will be well worth the peace of mind it provides. Be sure to have the system professionally installed and get a few quotes before making a final decision. In addition to a security system, there are a few other simple things you can do to deter burglars and keep your home safe. First, make sure all doors and windows are locked when you leave. It may seem like an obvious step, but many people forget to do this. Secondly, don’t leave valuables in plain sight. If you have expensive electronics or jewelry, store them away in a safe or cabinet where they can’t be seen from the outside. Lastly, consider installing motion sensor lights around your home. These will turn on automatically if someone approaches, which can startle intruders and deter them from entering your property.
Use motion sensor lights
Installing motion sensor lights is a great way to deter burglars and give yourself some extra peace of mind while you’re away from home. These lights will come on automatically if someone approaches your property, making it much more difficult for them to go unnoticed. You can also connect your motion sensor lights to a security system or camera, so you can be alerted as soon as someone steps onto your property.
Install a security camera
Installing a security camera is a great way to deter burglars and keep an eye on your property while you’re away. But where should you place your camera? Here are a few tips from the experts: -Make sure your camera is visible from the street. Burglars are more likely to target a home that looks easy to break into. -Place your camera near the front door or another entry point. This will give you a clear view of anyone who enters or leaves your property. -If you have a backyard or patio, place your camera so it has a clear view of these areas. Burglars often target backyards and patios when looking for a home to break into. -Install your camera in an area with good lighting. This will help ensure that the images captured by your camera are clear and easy to identify.
Keep your doors and windows locked
One of the best ways to deter burglars is to keep your doors and windows locked. This may seem like common sense, but many people forget to do this, especially when they’re staying in a vacation home. Make sure all doors and windows are locked before you leave the house, even if you’ll only be gone for a short period of time. Another way to secure your doors and windows is to install motion sensor lights around your property. These lights will come on automatically if someone approaches your home, which will deter burglars and also help you see if someone is trying to break in. You should also consider investing in a security system for your vacation home. There are many different types of systems available, so talk to a security expert to find one that’s right for you.
Get to know your neighbours
One of the best things you can do to keep your vacation home safe is to get to know your neighbours. If you live in a close-knit community, chances are your neighbours will be looking out for your property while you’re away. But even if you don’t know your neighbours well, they can still be a valuable resource. Be sure to let them know when you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your property. If you have a trusted neighbour who lives nearby, you may even want to give them a key so they can check on things while you’re gone.
Use timer switches
Home security is important, whether you’re at home or away. If you’re going on vacation, there are a few things you can do to make sure your home is secure. One of the most important things you can do is to use timer switches. Timer switches are a great way to deter burglars. They allow you to set a schedule for when lights come on and off. This makes it look like someone is home, even when they’re not. You can find timer switches at most hardware stores. Another way to secure your home is to make sure all valuables are out of sight. Burglars are looking for easy targets, so don’t give them a reason to break in. Put away any jewelry, electronics, or other valuables before you leave for vacation. You should also consider getting a security system installed. Security systems can be costly, but they’re worth the investment if they deter burglars and help keep your family safe.
Be careful with social media
You may be excited to share photos and details of your upcoming vacation on social media, but be aware that this can also be an invitation for crime. Broadcasting that you will be out of town for a week or more is like sending an engraved invitation to burglars. A better bet is to wait until you return home to post your vacation photos and stories. Similarly, avoid using social media check-ins while you are away from home. This can alert potential burglars to your exact location, making it easier for them to target your home while you are gone.
Check for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Most homeowners don’t think twice about security when they leave for vacation. But, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, home fires resulting in death are more likely to occur when no one is at home. And, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be lifesavers. “It’s important to have working smoke detectors in your vacation home,” says Assistant Chief Dave Bennett of the North Hudson (WI) Fire Department. “And, it’s a good idea to test them monthly.” Bennett also recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors, especially if your vacation home is in a rural area where there is a greater risk of exposure to this deadly gas. “Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so you might not even know it’s present,” he says. “But, a carbon monoxide detector can alert you to its presence and help you get to safety.”
Have an emergency plan
Before you go on vacation, sit down with your family and talk about what to do in case of an emergency. Choose a safe place to meet, both inside and outside of your vacation home, in case you get separated. Make sure everyone knows how to call 911, and agree on a password that everyone can use to check that it’s really each other calling in an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a list of emergency numbers for the area, including the non-emergency number for the police, the fire department, and poison control