Like most people, you probably take your home’s security for granted. After all, why worry about something that’s never going to happen, right? Unfortunately, this thinking can put you and your home at risk.
According to the FBI, there were an estimated 2.2 million burglaries in the United States in 2016. That’s one burglary every 23.6 seconds! And while it’s impossible to prevent all burglaries, there are some things you can do to deter would-be criminals and keep your home safe, especially when you’re away.
The best part about traveling is that it allows you to explore different cultures and start new adventures. However, the last thing vacationers want to consider is whether their homes are burglarized. So before you start packing your bags, here are seven tips to help ensure that your home is secure while you’re away.
Tell a neighbor or friend.
One of the best ways to deter criminals is by making it known that someone will check in on your home while you’re gone. Letting a trusted neighbor or friend know that you’ll be out of town and asking them to keep an eye on things is a great way to do this. That way, if there’s any suspicious activity, they can keep an eye out and call the police if needed. Also, ensure that the person you’ve chosen has a key to your home in an emergency.
Stop your mail and newspaper delivery
If you don’t have someone who can watch your house while you’re away, then stopping your mail and newspaper delivery is the next best thing. A buildup of mail or newspapers is often one of the first things tip off burglars that no one is home. This can make your home a prime target for burglars. You can put your mail on hold with the post office, and most newspapers can be suspended delivery online. Taking these simple steps can help give your home an extra layer of protection while you’re away.
Invest in quality fence
When it comes to home security, you can do many things to deter burglars and keep your property safe. One simple and effective measure is to invest in a quality fence. A good fence not only provides a physical barrier that can be difficult to breach but also sends a clear message that your home is well-protected. There are a variety of fencing materials on the market, from wood to PVC to wrought iron. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, there are also several wood fence alternatives made from recycled materials. Whichever material you choose, invest in a high-quality product that will stand up to the elements and provide years of security for your home.
Invest in timer-based lights
Another way to make it look like someone is home even when they’re not is by using timer-based lights. These lights can be set to turn on and off at certain times, giving the appearance that someone is moving around inside the house even when they’re not. Timer-based lights are inexpensive and can be found at most home improvement stores. Set them up before you leave, and let them do their job while you’re gone.
Unplug all appliances
While most people think about unplugging electrical appliances to save energy while away, few think about unplugging them for safety reasons. However, it’s always a good idea to unplug appliances such as ovens, microwaves, coffee makers, etc., when you are gone for an extended time. The last thing you want is for one of these appliances to malfunction while no one is home and start a fire. So play it safe and unplug them before you go.
Lock all doors and windows-including garage doors!
This one seems like a no-brainer, but it’s incredible how often people forget to lock all the doors and windows in their homes before leaving for vacation. Ensure all entry points are closed-including garage doors-before leaving for extended periods (bonus tip: invest in deadbolts for an extra layer of security).
Set up a security system-and use it!
Investing in a home security system is one of the best ways to protect your property while you’re away (not to mention when you’re at home). But having a security system doesn’t do much good if it’s not turned on when necessary-so make sure to set yours up before leaving on vacation and remember to turn it on when you leave!
The bottom line
Vacation should be a time for relaxation and fun-not worrying about whether or not your home is safe while you’re away. By following these simple tips, you can rest assured knowing that your home is secure while you’re enjoying some well-deserved time off. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next vacation-your house will be just fine!
