“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go!” Isn’t that how the song goes? You’ve planned a much-needed vacation and are on your way. Even as you enjoy a pina colada on a sunny beach, at the back of your mind is the nagging thought of whether your home is safe.
Here are some precautions you can take before you leave to ensure that your home is protected even when you aren’t around.
Lock Everything
Make sure all the doors and windows are securely locked before you leave. Double-check to make sure all windows are properly shut and locked, even the ones on the upper floors. Open windows are not only easy access for burglars, but they give small animals an entry point into your home.
Hold Your Mail
Mail piling up in your mailbox is going to be a dead giveaway that you are not at home. Have a neighbor come by to get your mail and keep it for you until you return. You can also call USPS and have them temporarily hold your mail. Alternatively, you can give them a mail forwarding address.
Light up the Night
If your home is shrouded in darkness for several consecutive days, anyone scouting the neighborhood will notice. Your home is likely to become a target for burglary if no one seems to be home. Either leave a few lights on in a room or two or invest in sensor lights for the yard. These will illuminate any intruders in the yard. Tell a neighbor to keep an eye on your house.
Tend the Yard
One of the first signs that a house has been empty for a while is when the yard starts to look unkempt. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, either hire a professional landscaping company to send someone over twice a month or ask a neighbor to mow your lawn and water the plants.
Prepare Your Home
Adjust the thermostat within your home. While you are away, the HVAC shouldn’t be needlessly heating up or cooling down the house and adding to your bill. It’d also be a good idea to turn off the main water valve so that leaky pipes don’t cause any damage.
Avoid Social Media
As fun as it may be to tell everyone you know that you are about to go on vacation, advertising your life on social media can be dangerous. You never know who is watching and keeping tabs. You can share your amazing vacation photos once you are back.
Secure the Premises
It may prove prudent to have security cameras installed around the house and yard in obvious locations to deter any would-be intruders. Signs in the yard that indicate the presence of security cameras and alarm systems are a good idea, even if they are fake.
If you practice these seven tips, your home can stay safe even while you’re gone. Keep everything locked, closed, and tidy to prevent would-be burglars from getting any ideas. Installing motion sensor lights and security cameras will take your home security a step further and help you relax even more while on your vacation. Accurate Lock & Safe offers a wide range of security cameras and alarm systems that will keep your family and home safe, whether you are at home or away. Contact us today!