When planning a vacation, one of the most important things to consider is keeping your home safe and secure while you’re away. A vacation should be a time for relaxation and enjoyment, not worrying about whether your home is taken care of. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to ensure your home is secure while enjoying the sunshine or climbing a mountain.
Is anybody home?
It is important to ensure that your home looks lived in while you’re away. Making your home look occupied will help to deter burglars, who are more likely to target homes that appear to be vacant. One way to do this is to invest in a programmable light timer that turns your lights on and off at predetermined times. Light timers give the appearance that someone is home, even when you’re not. You can also ask a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your home while you’re travelling and to pick up your mail and newspapers so that they don’t pile up on your doorstep. If you travel in the winter, arrange for snow removal services while you’re gone, and if you travel over the summer, grass cutting and lawn maintenance should be tended to. There are all indicators that while the lights may be on, no one is home.
Honey, did you lock the door?
Ensure all your doors and windows are securely locked when you leave. Locking doors and windows may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many people forget about this step before leaving for vacay. If you have doors or windows that are difficult to lock, consider installing additional locks or security devices to help keep them secure, such as a piece of wood along tracks for sliding windows and patio doors.
Security systems and remote monitoring
Investing in a security system for your home is a good idea if you plan to be away. Security systems provide added peace of mind while you’re away and help deter burglars. When choosing a security system, look for one that offers 24/7 monitoring and can automatically alert the authorities if there is a break-in. You may also want to consider adding security cameras to your system, which can provide additional protection and help you keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Some security systems also offer smoke and carbon monoxide detection, which automatically alerts the fire department in an emergency.
Make an emergency plan
We often lock the doors and hope for the best, but it is always wise to make sure you have a real plan in case of an emergency. Having a plan in place can include having a friend or neighbour who has a key to your home and knows how to operate your security system, as well as having contact information for local authorities readily available in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to let your friends and family know where you will be travelling and provide them with a way to contact you if there is an emergency.
Taking these few simple steps to keep your home safe and secure while you’re away on vacation can provide added peace of mind and help ensure your holiday stays stress-free. By making sure your home looks lived in, securing your doors and windows, investing in a security system, and having a plan in place in case of an emergency, you can help to protect your home while you are away enjoying your vacation.