According to the US Department of Justice, more than 1 million home invasions occur every year. And since most criminals would prefer not getting caught, many of these invasions happen when the homeowner isn’t home. If you are planning a vacation, you may be caught up in booking your vacation rental and dreaming of time away to worry too much about the status of your home while you’re gone. However, protecting your home while you’re on vacation is extremely important so your house doesn’t become a statistic. Find out how to protect your home while away on vacation.
Invest in a security system.
A home security system is a great way to keep your home safe while on vacation. These systems come in many shapes and sizes, so you can opt for a whole house alarm or one that’s triggered by certain events, such as motion or sound. According to Moon Security, “The right security system is a great way to protect your house, whether you’re home or away. And with the latest advancements in technology, you can easily find a system that works with your needs in mind, such as having remote access.” Find local security companies in your area and see what’s available to you.
Automate your lights.
One tell-tale sign that a house is empty is a house that is always dark. If you’re going away on vacation, it’s a good idea for you to set up automated lights throughout your house, both on the inside and outside. These switches and lights can be found at your local home improvement store, and most of them can even be remotely accessed through apps. Having your lights turn on and off automatically can deter burglars from breaking into your home because they may assume someone is home.
Stop your mail and newspaper delivery.
If there is mail or newspapers piling up outside your home, it’s a clear sign that nobody is home. When going on vacation, either make it a point to have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers for you or have these items stopped by contacting your post office and newspaper company.
Stay off social media.
We live in a world where every detail of our lives is broadcast on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. However, you need to keep your vacation off social media outlets until you’re home. Letting people publicly know your home is empty can set you up for disaster, even if you have a tight-knit group of social “friends”. If you really want to let people know about the great time you had, do so when you’re home.
Get a house sitter.
Another great way to keep your home protected while on vacation is to ensure your house isn’t empty. Find a friend or relative who would be willing to stay at your house while you’re on vacation. This way, there will be someone in your home so that it’s never empty. Plus, if you have pets or a garden, having a house sitter is a great way to ensure these things are also cared for in your absence.
Tell your police department.
Your local police department doesn’t want crime in your neighborhood, so they’re willing to take steps to keep it out of town. If you’re going on vacation, let your local police department know. By doing this, your local station will likely have a patrol car drive past your house often to keep an eye on it and ensure nothing has happened.
Lock everything.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at the things you may forget about when leaving for vacation. Before you head out, be sure to lock everything up, from windows, to back doors, to sheds, to garage doors. When your home is fully locked, it may deter people from trying to get in. Make a checklist of all the areas you need to lock so you’re not rushed when it comes time to do so.
In addition to locking up your home, it’s also a good idea to lock away any valuables. For instance, put any cash, credit cards, jewelry, or other expensive assets away in a safe or safety deposit box before you go. This way should someone actually get into your house while away, there will be nothing valuable for them to take.
Vacation is supposed to be a time to relax and have fun, and the last thing you want is to come home to a house that’s been ravaged. Using these tips will help secure your home while you’re on vacation.