Forget the days when you could simply lock your doors and leave for vacation without worrying about your home’s safety. In today’s world, where crime is constantly evolving to meet new challenges, it’s crucial to take measures to protect your house and prevent it from even getting on a criminal’s radar.
How to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away
The first rule of safeguarding your home while you’re on vacation is to create the illusion that someone is always there. Here are a few simple ways to achieve this, tips that have often helped save homeowners from becoming victims:
Create the Illusion of Presence
1. Prepare your yard before you leave. Mow the lawn or clear snow and debris the day before your departure. An overgrown, snowy, or messy yard can be a clear sign of an absent homeowner and serve as a perfect cover for intruders. If your trip will be a long one, ask friends, relatives, or neighbors to help maintain your property.
2. Ensure mail collection. Ask a neighbor or a friend to collect your mail and any advertising flyers. An overflowing mailbox is a glaring sign that the homeowners have been away for a while and that no one is keeping an eye on the house.
3. Leave your curtains partially open. Fully closed drapes can arouse suspicion. Partially open curtains give the impression that daily activities are taking place inside.
4. Use light timers. Set programmable timers to turn lights on and off in different rooms and outdoor areas. This will create the impression that someone is home.
5. Have someone care for your plants. Asking friends to water your houseplants will not only keep them healthy but also make it less obvious that the house is unoccupied.
Keep Your Travel Plans Private
Limit the number of people who know about your extended trip. Only close neighbors or trusted friends should be aware of your plans. Adjust your social media privacy settings so that your posts are only visible to select, reliable contacts. Professional burglars often scan profiles for clues about people being away and photos of valuable belongings in homes. Most importantly, avoid posting vacation photos or sharing your location until you’re back home!
Outsmart Potential Burglars
Burglars aim to get in, grab what they can, and leave as quickly as possible. Fool them by leaving a small amount of cash and a few cheap pieces of jewelry in plain sight to make them think they’ve found something valuable. Hide your real valuables in less obvious places. Keep in mind that intruders are familiar with tricks like fake cans or storing items in linen drawers.
Install a Security System
Modern home security systems are accessible and easy to use. Surveillance cameras (buy on Amazon) that stream footage directly to your smartphone can keep you updated on your home’s surroundings, even from thousands of miles away. This is one of the most effective ways to protect your home.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, knowing your home is well-secured.
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