Keeping Your Home Safe During Vacations: Essential Tips

Introduction

Going on vacation is a great way to relax and unwind, but it can also leave your home vulnerable to theft and other security risks. According to the FBI, there were over 1.2 million burglaries in the United States in 2019, with the majority of them occurring during the summer months when people are more likely to be away from home. In this article, we will discuss essential tips for keeping your home safe during vacations.

1. Secure Your Home

Before leaving for vacation, make sure to secure your home properly. This includes locking all doors and windows, installing deadbolts, and using security cameras and alarms. You can also consider installing motion-activated lights outside your home to deter burglars.

• Lock all doors and windows
• Install deadbolts
• Use security cameras and alarms
• Install motion-activated lights outside your home

2. Don't Advertise Your Absence

Avoid advertising your absence on social media or leaving a message on your answering machine that indicates you are away from home. This can alert burglars that your home is unoccupied and make it an easy target.

3. Ask a Neighbor to Keep an Eye on Your Home

Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you are away. They can collect your mail, water your plants, and make sure everything is in order. This can also make it look like someone is still living in your home, which can deter burglars.

4. Use Timers for Lights and Electronics

Use timers for lights and electronics to make it look like someone is still living in your home. This can include setting your lights to turn on and off at different times throughout the day and night.

5. Secure Your Valuables

Secure your valuables by storing them in a safe or a safety deposit box. This can include jewelry, important documents, and other valuable items.

6. Hire a House Sitter

Consider hiring a house sitter to stay in your home while you are away. This can provide an added layer of security and make it look like someone is still living in your home.

7. Notify Your Security Company

If you have a security company monitoring your home, make sure to notify them that you will be away. They can keep an eye on your home and alert the authorities if there is any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Going on vacation should be a time to relax and unwind, but it is important to take steps to keep your home safe while you are away. By following these essential tips, you can ensure that your home is secure and protected from burglars and other security risks. Remember to secure your home, avoid advertising your absence, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home, use timers for lights and electronics, secure your valuables, hire a house sitter, and notify your security company.