Keep Your Home Secure While on Vacation

Your home is most vulnerable when you are away on vacation. Burglars specifically look for homes that are unoccupied as they tend to be easy targets. It is important for you to take a few measures to keep your home secure while on vacation. Here are a few tips.

Keep Your Home Well Lit

Dark homes are an easy target for burglars. It allows them to spend time trying to pry open doors and windows and to explore the home unnoticed. To help keep burglars away, make sure that both the front and back of your home is well lit. Consider motion sensored lights to save on electricity. If you have large bushes that create good hiding spots, consider trimming them down a bit. Put lamps on timers inside your home so the interior appears lit during the evening and early nighttime hours. The more visible your home is, the less desirable it is to burglars.

Don’t Let Mail Pile Up

A pile of mail on your doorstep or in your mailbox gives would-be burglars a clear message that you are not home. To eliminate this problem, have the post office hold your mail during the time you are away. Requests can be submitted at any post office or on the USPS website. If you are expecting any packages to be delivered, ask a neighbor to retrieve and hold it for you.

Get a Security System

Security systems are more affordable than ever before. There are even self-installation kits with wireless units. These systems generally connect to a monitoring center, which notifies the police department if there are any problems. If you plan to be away for several weeks, let your security company know ahead of time. Security systems can also result in discounts on your homeowners insurance, so be sure to notify your insurance company of your security system installation.

Limit Social Media Updates

Consider avoiding social media updates while on vacation. Although you may want to share photos and updates with your friends, sharing your vacation on social media sites may put that information into the wrong hands. Wait until you return from your vacation to share. This will also allow you to focus on quality time with your friends and family and enjoying the vacation experience, rather than constantly being on your phone.

Enlist the Help of Neighbors

Although in most cases it is best not to let people know that you are away, you may want to let one or more of your trusted neighbors know about your trip. Neighbors can help keep an eye on your home and detect any suspicious behavior. They may help prevent a burglary from taking place to begin with.

Other Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

We often take the privacy and security of our home for granted, especially if living in a nice and generally crime free neighborhood. Unfortunately, sometimes these nicer neighborhoods become prime targets for burglars. The summer months are particularly dangerous as burglars know that homes can be vacant while families are on vacation. Be diligent about your security. In addition to the tips above, be sure to secure your home when you leave. Lock all windows and doors. Close blinds so people cannot see inside. Get rid of any hidden keys. Make entering your home less easy for people who may target your property while you are away. This will allow your vacation to end pleasantly and stress-free.