Are you planning to go on vacation soon? While you may be excited about your trip, it’s important to take precautions to keep your home safe while you’re away. Burglars often target empty homes, so it’s crucial to take steps to secure your property before you leave. Here are 30 tips for keeping your home safe while on vacation:
30 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While on Vacation
- Lock All Doors and Windows: It is one of the most important points in keeping your home safe while on vacation. Locking all doors and windows is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home safe. It’s a simple but effective way to prevent burglars from gaining access to your home. Make it a habit to check all the doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. This includes any sliding glass doors, the front and back doors, as well as the garage door. It’s also important to ensure that all locks are functioning correctly, and any damaged locks are replaced immediately.
- Install Deadbolts on All Exterior Doors: Adding deadbolts to all exterior doors is another effective way to enhance home security. Deadbolts provide an extra layer of protection as they are more difficult to break than regular locks. Consider installing high-quality deadbolts that are resistant to drilling, picking, and other tampering methods. Make sure that the deadbolts are correctly installed and that all family members know how to use them.
- Don’t Leave Spare Keys Hidden Outside Your Home: Leaving a spare key hidden outside your home may seem like a good idea and most important factor in keeping your home safe while on vacation, but it’s a significant security risk. Burglars are aware of the common places where people hide keys, such as under the doormat, flower pots, or fake rocks. Instead, consider giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend or investing in a smart lock that allows you to grant access remotely.
- Consider Installing a Security System: A security system can provide an additional layer of protection for your home. Modern security systems often include motion sensors, cameras, and an alarm that can alert you and the authorities in case of a break-in. Some systems also allow you to monitor your home remotely via a smartphone app. When choosing a security system, look for one that is easy to use, has a reliable connection, and provides round-the-clock monitoring.
- Use Timers to Make It Look Like Someone Is Home: When you’re away from home, it’s a good idea to use timers to create the illusion that someone is home. You can set up timers to turn on the lights, radio, or TV at different times of the day. This can discourage potential burglars from targeting your home as they will assume that someone is inside. Additionally, you can also ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspaper, so it doesn’t pile up, which can be another sign that no one is home.
- Have a Trusted Neighbor or Friend Collect Your Mail and Newspapers: A pile of mail and newspapers on your doorstep is a clear sign that you’re not home, which can attract burglars. Therefore, it’s a good idea to ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail and newspapers while you’re away. This way, your home will appear occupied, and you’ll avoid the risk of identity theft. If you’re going away for a more extended period, you can also ask them to water your plants or feed your pets.
- Have Someone Mow Your Lawn or Shovel Your Snow: A well-maintained lawn or driveway can make it look like someone is still around, which can discourage potential burglars. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, consider having someone mow your lawn or shovel your snow. You can ask a neighbor or hire a professional service to do it for you. If you’re going to be away for a while, you can also ask them to water your plants or take care of your pets.
- Put Your Newspaper Subscription on Hold: A pile of newspapers on your doorstep is a clear indication that you’re not home, which can attract burglars. If you’re going away for a few days or more, it’s a good idea to put your newspaper subscription on hold until you return. This way, you’ll avoid the buildup of newspapers on your doorstep, and your home will appear occupied.
- Consider Installing Motion-Activated Exterior Lighting: Motion-activated exterior lighting is an excellent way to enhance the security of your home. Burglars often target homes that are dark and secluded, so having motion-activated lights can make it more challenging for them to approach your home unnoticed. You can install motion-activated lights near your front and back doors, garage, and any other areas that are not well-lit. Make sure that the lights are installed correctly and that they have a reliable power source.
- Don’t Advertise Your Absence on Social Media or in Public: It’s essential to avoid advertising your absence on social media or in public. Posting about your vacation plans on social media can be an open invitation to burglars. They can use this information to determine when your home will be empty and plan a break-in accordingly. Additionally, avoid telling people you don’t know that you’ll be away from home. You never know who might be listening, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Instead, tell only trusted family members and friends about your plans, and make sure they know how to reach you in case of an emergency.
- Consider Renting a Safe Deposit Box in keeping your home safe while on vacation: If you have valuable items that you don’t want to leave in your home while you’re away, consider renting a safe deposit box. A safe deposit box is a secure way to store important documents, jewelry, and other valuables. Most banks offer safe deposit boxes for rent, and they’re usually located in a vault that’s protected by security cameras, alarms, and other security measures.
- Close All Blinds and Curtains in keeping your home safe while on vacation: Closing all blinds and curtains can help prevent anyone from peering inside your home and seeing that you’re not there. It’s an easy and effective way to enhance your home’s security while you’re away. Make sure that all windows are closed and locked securely before closing the blinds and curtains.
- Disconnect Your Garage Door Opener: Disconnecting your garage door opener is an essential step in securing your home while you’re away. Burglars can use special devices to gain access to your garage if they can intercept the signal from your garage door opener. By disconnecting the opener, you’ll make it more difficult for burglars to gain entry.
- Unplug Electronics and Appliances: Unplugging electronics and appliances can prevent power surges and save energy while you’re away. Power surges can damage your electronics and appliances, so it’s a good idea to unplug them to prevent this from happening. Additionally, unplugging electronics and appliances can help you save energy and reduce your electricity bill while you’re away.
- Ensure Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Working: Make sure that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly before you leave. These devices can alert you to potential fires or gas leaks, and they can save your life. Test each detector to ensure that it’s functioning correctly and replace the batteries if necessary.
- Store Ladders and Other Tools in a Locked Shed or Garage: Storing ladders and other tools in a locked shed or garage is an essential step in securing your home while you’re away. Burglars can use ladders and other tools to gain access to your home, so it’s crucial to keep them locked up and out of sight. Make sure that your shed or garage is securely locked and that all tools are stored safely. Consider installing motion-activated lights and an alarm system to provide additional security.
- Install a Peephole in Your Front Door: Installing a peephole in your front door allows you to see who’s outside before opening the door, providing an added layer of security. It’s a simple and cost-effective solution that can prevent you from opening the door to strangers or potential burglars. Peepholes are available in various sizes and styles to fit any type of door.
- Don’t Leave Spare Keys with Neighbors or Friends Who May Be Away: Leaving spare keys with neighbors or friends who are also away from home is risky. Burglars may be aware of this and could take advantage of the situation to gain entry into your home. Instead, consider giving your spare key to a trusted family member or friend who is nearby and can keep an eye on your home while you’re away.
- Consider Installing Smart Home Technology: Smart home technology, such as smart locks and thermostats, can provide added security for your home while you’re away. Smart locks allow you to remotely lock and unlock your doors and can alert you if someone tries to tamper with them. Smart thermostats can help you save energy while you’re away by adjusting the temperature of your home based on your preferences. Additionally, you can use smart cameras to monitor your home and receive alerts if there’s any suspicious activity.
- Inform Your Home Security Company of Your Travel Plans: If you have a home security company, inform them of your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your property. Some security companies offer monitoring services that can detect any unusual activity and alert authorities if necessary.
- Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight: Leaving valuables such as jewelry, electronics, and cash in plain sight is a security risk. Burglars may be more likely to target your home if they can see expensive items through the windows. Instead, consider storing your valuables in a safe or a hidden location that’s not easily accessible.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Make sure your Wi-Fi network is secure by using a strong password and enabling encryption. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be easily hacked, giving burglars access to your personal information and home security system.
- Don’t Leave Spare Keys in Your Car: Leaving spare keys in your car can be a security risk, as burglars may break into your car to find them. Instead, keep your spare keys in a secure location inside your home or with a trusted family member or friend.
- Ask a Neighbor to Park in Your Driveway: Asking a neighbor to park in your driveway while you’re away can make it look like someone is still at home. This can deter burglars from targeting your home.
- Hire a House Sitter: Hiring a house sitter to stay in your home while you’re away can provide added security and peace of mind. House sitters can collect your mail, water your plants, and ensure that everything is running smoothly. Additionally, having someone in your home can deter potential burglars.
- Install Window Bars or Security Film: Window bars or security film can make it more difficult for burglars to break into your home through windows. Window bars are visible deterrents that prevent burglars from entering through windows. Security film, on the other hand, is a transparent film that’s applied to windows to make them more shatter-resistant. It can prevent burglars from gaining access to your home and can also protect your windows from damage caused by severe weather.
- Install a Video Doorbell: A video doorbell is an excellent way to improve your home security. It allows you to see who’s at your front door, even when you’re not home. When someone rings your doorbell, you receive an alert on your phone, and you can view a live video feed of who’s at the door. Some video doorbells also have motion detection, so they’ll alert you when someone is approaching your door. This can be especially useful for deterring burglars, as they’ll think twice about targeting a home with a video doorbell.
- Don’t Leave Your Spare Key with Your Cleaning Service: It’s best to avoid leaving your spare key with your cleaning service. While they may be trustworthy, they may not have the same level of security as you do. If they lose the key, it could fall into the wrong hands and compromise your home’s security. Instead, consider using a smart lock or a keyless entry system that allows you to grant temporary access to your home when needed.
- Notify Your Local Police Department: It’s always a good idea to notify your local police department that you’ll be away. They may be able to do extra patrols in your neighborhood to keep an eye on things. This can also help them to respond quickly if there’s a problem, such as a break-in or suspicious activity. Providing them with your contact information and details about your trip can also help them to reach you in case of an emergency.
- Double-Check Everything Before You Leave: Before leaving for your trip, it’s crucial to double-check everything to ensure your home is secure. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, your security system is armed, and your home appears lived-in. Consider using timers for your lights and electronics, so they turn on and off at various times throughout the day. This can make it appear as though someone is still home. Finally, be sure to let a trusted neighbor or friend know that you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your home while you’re gone.
In conclusion, when going on vacation, it’s important to take steps to ensure the safety of your home and belongings. By implementing the tips for keeping your home safe while on vacation, such as installing a video doorbell, notifying your local police department, and making your home appear lived-in, you can minimize the risk of burglary and damage to your property.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so take the time to properly secure your home before you leave. With these precautions in place, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, knowing that your home is protected. Keeping your home safe while on vacation is an essential part of responsible and stress-free traveling.
