SECURING YOUR HOME DURING YOUR VACATION
Ah, summer vacations, such a fun time to explore! However, a home left empty while its owners are away is sometimes a tempting target for criminals.
Fortunately, there are steps that every homeowner can take to keep his or her home safe while on vacation. These simple, easy tips can give you peace of mind while you’re away.
Use lights to create the illusion that someone’s home
Leaving all the lights off while you’re away is a key tip-off to criminals. On the other hand, leaving them on all day, every day is bound to hurt your electric bill. A light switch timer is a great way to keep costs low while creating the illusion that someone is home. The timer will flip certain lights on and off throughout the day so that it appears that someone is moving through the house. Light switch timers are available at most home improvement stores at a variety of price points.
Lock windows and doors but keep some blinds and curtains open
Locking up might seem too obvious to mention, but approximately 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Windows are also weak points, so keep them closed and locked, even on the upper floors. A smart burglar can still access them, and an open window anywhere in the house might let in animals, rain or wind.
Again, the best way to deter potential criminals is to create the illusion that someone’s home. Instead of drawing your curtains shut, leave them exactly as they always are during the week. However, be sure to move expensive items, like computers, out plain sight if they are visible from the windows.
Clear out your mailbox and stop your mail
Mail piling up is a tip-off that no one’s home. Have a trusted neighbor, friend or house-sitter collect your mail and keep it safely out of sight. Alternatively, you can request a temporary mail hold or mail forwarding through USPS.com. If you subscribe to any newspapers or subscription boxes, pause your delivery.
Remove your spare key
Criminals are very experienced at what they do, and they won’t be fooled by the plastic rock or flowerpot you may use to conceal your spare key. Either take the key along with you on your vacation, or leave it with a friend or neighbor whom you trust.
Don’t broadcast your plans online
Don’t post about your vacation on social media until after you return (and make sure your kids don’t either). By sharing travel plans, you’re advertising that your house will be empty. You can never be completely sure who sees that information, especially if you have many followers or a public profile.
Rely on your community
Hopefully, if you’ve lived in your community for a while, you have gotten to know some of your neighbors at community events and Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Board meetings. If this is the case, tell a neighbor you will be out of town, and ask him or her to keep an eye on the place.
You might want to choose someone who passes the house every day on his or her daily run or dog walking trip. If your house requires a bit more care, you may want to hire someone to bring in the mail, water the plants, and do anything else you require. If several neighbors will be watching the house, don’t forget to let them know about each other.
The best part about implementing this quick tips is that when you’re confident that your home and valuables are safe and secure, you’ll be able to fully relax and enjoy your vacation.
Have fun this summer and stay safe!
Fortunately, there are steps that every homeowner can take to keep his or her home safe while on vacation. These simple, easy tips can give you peace of mind while you’re away.
Use lights to create the illusion that someone’s home
Leaving all the lights off while you’re away is a key tip-off to criminals. On the other hand, leaving them on all day, every day is bound to hurt your electric bill. A light switch timer is a great way to keep costs low while creating the illusion that someone is home. The timer will flip certain lights on and off throughout the day so that it appears that someone is moving through the house. Light switch timers are available at most home improvement stores at a variety of price points.
Lock windows and doors but keep some blinds and curtains open
Locking up might seem too obvious to mention, but approximately 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Windows are also weak points, so keep them closed and locked, even on the upper floors. A smart burglar can still access them, and an open window anywhere in the house might let in animals, rain or wind.
Again, the best way to deter potential criminals is to create the illusion that someone’s home. Instead of drawing your curtains shut, leave them exactly as they always are during the week. However, be sure to move expensive items, like computers, out plain sight if they are visible from the windows.
Clear out your mailbox and stop your mail
Mail piling up is a tip-off that no one’s home. Have a trusted neighbor, friend or house-sitter collect your mail and keep it safely out of sight. Alternatively, you can request a temporary mail hold or mail forwarding through USPS.com. If you subscribe to any newspapers or subscription boxes, pause your delivery.
Remove your spare key
Criminals are very experienced at what they do, and they won’t be fooled by the plastic rock or flowerpot you may use to conceal your spare key. Either take the key along with you on your vacation, or leave it with a friend or neighbor whom you trust.
Don’t broadcast your plans online
Don’t post about your vacation on social media until after you return (and make sure your kids don’t either). By sharing travel plans, you’re advertising that your house will be empty. You can never be completely sure who sees that information, especially if you have many followers or a public profile.
Rely on your community
Hopefully, if you’ve lived in your community for a while, you have gotten to know some of your neighbors at community events and Homeowners’ Association (HOA) Board meetings. If this is the case, tell a neighbor you will be out of town, and ask him or her to keep an eye on the place.
You might want to choose someone who passes the house every day on his or her daily run or dog walking trip. If your house requires a bit more care, you may want to hire someone to bring in the mail, water the plants, and do anything else you require. If several neighbors will be watching the house, don’t forget to let them know about each other.
The best part about implementing this quick tips is that when you’re confident that your home and valuables are safe and secure, you’ll be able to fully relax and enjoy your vacation.
Have fun this summer and stay safe!
