Home Security Tips for When You’re Away

Home security is an essential factor to consider before vacationing this summer. Often, the best thing to do is make your home look like no one has even left! Therefore, resulting in a secure home, which gives peace of mind and can help lower the risk of a costly insurance claim.

Securing From the Outside 

Lock everything: the first step in securing your home is to ensure every door and window is locked. This is the simplest way an intruder can enter, and an easy mistake to avoid! You may also consider purchasing smart locks for your garage and front door. This way, entrances can be locked with your phone from any location. Also, smart locks can monitor who enters your home and in the event of an emergency, lock or unlock your doors. 

Put mail and deliveries on hold: there is no better sign of an empty home than a full mailbox. Mail can stack up quickly while you’re away, so to prevent stolen packages contact your post office and ask to temporarily suspend your mail. You can also refer to a trusted friend to pick up your mail for you, while on vacation. 

Remove spare keys: no matter how good the hiding spot is, be sure to collect all spare keys from outside. If you have friends or neighbors house sitting while you’re away, then give them a spare key of their own. Another way to allow guests to enter is to install smart locks. These devices will enable you to give friends a guest password or automatically lock and unlock your doors from a mobile app. 

Consider a security system: a home security system is one of the best defenses for your home, and these days, there are several options. You can choose between monitoring certain areas such as the front porch or the entire home. Also, home security comes in various forms including outdoor lighting, cameras, and video doorbells. Some common equipment options are the following: 

1. Outdoor security lights cover dark areas and are a good prevention tactic to keep burglars away. 
2. Security cameras connected to security apps let you see exactly what’s happening at your home. Also, in the event of a burglary, you will receive an alert and the police will be notified. 
3. Video doorbells are one of the latest security trends and are very useful for security and everyday needs. Some even include two-way audio so you can speak to visitors. 

Securing the Inside of Your Home

Use your lights and electronics: lights inside your home are just as good a deterrent as outdoor lights. It usually represents a sign that someone is home but be wary of the signal you may send by keeping lights on for an unusual time or in several areas of the home. To avoid suspicion, you can set automatic timers so certain lights go off at specific times. You may also consider purchasing smart bulbs to control lights while you are away. Televisions, like lights, can be connected to smart plugs to turn the Tv on and off throughout the day. 

Keep valuables tucked away: valuables out in the open present an opportunity for intruders. So, to stay safe this summer, hide all valuables out of sight from windows and doors. You may also consider locking extra important valuables in a safe. 

Use your curtains: curtains and blinds can also be used to prevent peering eyes into your home. Although, if you don’t typically have your curtains or blinds closed, it can send the wrong signal and even attract intruders! So, the best practice is to leave your curtains or blinds as they normally are while you are home. 

Extra Tips Before Your Trip 

1. Double check the security system to make sure that everything is working correctly. 
2. Let a neighbor or friend know that you will be away. But be careful not to spread the word too far or it may attract unwanted visitors.  
3. Double-check your homeowner’s policy with your insurance company to make sure you’re covered in the event of a break-in or a natural disaster.