You have your tickets lined up, passport renewed, have asked your neighbors to keep an eye on your plants and feed your pets, and have packed your suitcase with the cute tropical dresses you have been saving for the beach. You are vacation-ready, but is your home is vacation-ready too? While you’re away, it’s important to also ensure that your property is safe from break-ins, fires, and other mishaps that may come up. Have you taken all the necessary precautions to ensure that your home is safe while you are away on your dream trip? Don’t worry – read on for some easy tips for keeping your place safe and burglary-free while you’re sipping margaritas on the beach!
Install a Security System
Technology can help us to overcome many challenges, including security threats. If your home is equipped with effective security systems, you won’t need worry too much while you’re enjoying your vacation. These days, security systems go far beyond an alarm that is triggered when someone gains entry into your home.
Modern security systems can include a plethora of options, from sensors to all kinds of security cameras such as IP cameras and CCTV. Many modern systems also offer you live updates, such as mobile notifications or functions that let you tap into a live feed online and monitor your home remotely from anywhere in the world.
Make Sure Everything is Locked Up Securely
This is one of the easiest measures you can take to keep your home secure while you’re away. Do not forget to lock up absolutely everything before you leave your home unattended. Check all doors and windows to ensure that they’re not only locked, but the locks are working properly and are in good condition. Make sure you check any possible points of entry such as pet doors and secure them before you leave.
If you have automatic garage doors, you should disconnect the system and put a padlock on the track to ensure that no one can break in this way. It’s also a good idea to remove all valuables such as jewelry from your house. You can either deposit them in a safety box at your local bank or give them to a friend for safekeeping.
Make It Seem Like Someone is Home
Another effective way to deter burglars and keep your home secure is to make it look like somebody is home while you are away for extended periods of time. Burglars will typically target a property that is vacant and unattended.
You can dupe them into thinking you’re at home in a few ways:
• Set timers on your lights and TV so that they automatically turn on in the evenings
• Make sure that your grass is freshly cut or ask a gardener to mow the lawn so it seems like somebody is taking care of the place
• Ask one of your friends or family members to park their car in your garage
• Don’t keep the curtains drawn as this makes it obvious that you’re away on vacation.
• Position the blinds in a normal way so they won’t attract much attention.
• Make sure that expensive décor items or electronics can’t be seen through the windows.
Unplug All Your Appliances
One of the best ways to avoid power surges or electrical fires is to unplug all unnecessary appliances. Double check your electric systems and have any faulty wiring replaced by a licensed electrician. Check whether your smoke alarms batteries need to be replaced, and if they do, be sure to change them before you go.
Remove Your Spare Key
Do you have a spare key hidden under a rock or a flower pot in case you accidently lock yourself out? Many security experts warn against this practice full stop, but if you absolutely must have a spare key hidden somewhere in your yard, make sure that you remove it before you go away.
If someone wants to break into your home, don’t hand them the key on a silver platter. No matter how clever your hiding place is, always take your spare key with you if you are going away for a long time. Or, if you’re asking a friend to keep an eye on your place, hand the key over to them.
Have a House Sitter
The only way to have absolute peace of mind while you’re away is to hire a house sitter – that way you will be at peace knowing that someone is keeping your home safe at all times. Make sure your house sitting knows how your security systems work, where your fire extinguishers are, and everything else they need to know to keep your home safe while they’re away.
Wrapping Up
When you go on vacation, you want to leave your troubles behind to enjoy a rewarding break, and this means making some arrangements for your home. Effective home security systems can go a long way to keep your place safe while you’re away. However, with advancements in technology, people have come up with new ways to fool these systems. Make sure you have all ends covered so you can enjoy a stress-free vacation.
