Whether embarking on a trip for work or pleasure, preparations and plans must be made and implemented in order to secure your property while the home is vacant. While a home security system is helpful, here are some additional ways to increase home security inside and out to prevent attracting unwanted attention while traveling.
Boosting Home Security: Interior Solutions
There are quite a few ways to ramp up security within the home in addition to prevent elemental mishaps and deter theft. Use the following checklist as a convenient guide.
- Inform any contracted alarm companies of pending travel plans when leaving for an extended period, and be sure to set the alarm before heading out of town.
- Be sure to utilize surge protectors for valued electronics and this is especially important if the security system is hardwired. This prevents damage and potential fires if storms occur during the homeowner’s absence.
- Secure any valuables, titles and other important paperwork in a safe deposit box at a local bank or invest in a fireproof home safe. Small home safes can be bolted to the floor to prevent thieves from removing it from the home.
- Get a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye out on things around the home. They can keep plants watered or turn on faucets in case an unexpected freeze warning is issued.
- Double check all of the locks on windows and doors to be certain they are locked. Even if a ‘smart’ alarm is installed that should notify homeowners when doors and windows are unlocked, a visual check is highly recommended before traveling.
- Take advantage of the benefits of smart lighting options which can be programed to turn on and off at pre-set times to give the appearance that someone is home.
- When traveling during cold weather months, be sure to double check that pipes in the attic, crawlspaces, basements and garages are wrapped to prevent freezing.
- Situate the HVAC system appropriately for the season keeping in mind no one will be home, and be sure to double check the batteries within programmable thermostats.
With the interiors addressed, we will explore how to make sure the exterior of the home is prepped with security in mind.
Security Preparations for Home Exteriors Before Traveling
When it comes to the home’s exteriors, it is essential to pay careful attention to avoid leaving any indicators that no one is home, especially if leaving for an extended time. Again, ample exterior lighting is suggested, and take advantage of motion-sensing lights and systems with smart features that can be remotely operated or pre-programed to shut on and off at specific times.
Those spare keys that might be outside under a plant or doormat must be removed. In fact, it’s just not wise to leave those out at any point whether one is home or not. Remember, burglars know these common hiding spots. Arrange to have the lawn tended to by a professional landscaper or a friendly neighbor willing to help out. Have any tree limbs nearby upper windows cut back before leaving to prevent second-story intrusions.
Lock up the garage, and take advantage of the extra dead bolt security features that the most popular models offer. As a last precaution, have any publications that are left on the door stoop such as newspapers put on hold for the duration of planned trips. It’s also a good idea to have mail put on hold to prevent identity theft and other issues.
Remember, July and August are peak months for burglaries, as these are the most common times for homeowners to take a respite. However, by using this handy checklist it is possible to boost home security while away on vacation or even while away at work, regardless of the season.
