When out and about, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your home is safe or not. However, a lot can go wrong if you fail to plan for home security before you leave for your vacation, especially for trips you have to extend unexpectedly.
Thankfully, here are five home security tips that can help keep you at ease during extended trips.
1. Invest in Smart Parking and Access Control Systems
If you're going on an extended trip, investing in a smart parking or access control system can help ensure the safety of your home. These systems are designed to limit access only to authorized individuals.
Whether it's your own home or you live in a rental, the system keeps a log and will always require a passcode for anyone to enter the driveway or parking lot. This footprint alone can be enough to scare would-be burglars off, not to mention that most of these systems also come with CCTV cameras to enhance security.
Access control systems can be implemented on nearly All Security Equipment for entrances in your home, including the gate, parking lot, front door, and even the garage door.
2. Use Timers to Automate Lights and Appliances
When it comes to vacations, especially extended ones, setting up timers for lights in your home can be a great deterrent against intruders. Motion sensor lights, for instance, can help keep your home secure by making people think that someone is at home even if you’ve been away for weeks or months.
You can also use these automated systems to save energy by turning on specific electronics at certain times without worrying about leaving them running indefinitely. Moreover, smart outlets are easy to install and use with minimal tools and effort, potentially saving money while also providing you with peace of mind while away.
3. Activate Vacation Settings on Security Cameras
If you have a smart security camera system in place, consider activating "vacation settings" before you leave. This way, you can keep an eye on suspicious activity outside and inside your home while away, precisely through real-time notifications sent directly to your smartphone.
Considering their hassle-free installation process, these systems are worth investing in for increased safety during longer trips than expected.
4. Ensure Doors and Windows are Locked Properly Before You Leave
Ensuring all doors and windows of your house are locked before you leave for your solo travel or family vacation is absolutely essential no matter the duration. On top of regular locks, it might be worth thinking about additional measures like installing deadbolts or sliding bolts to secure entry points from potential burglars.
The last thing anyone wants is to come home from a vacation, only to find their cherished items stolen just because they left a door or window open. Also, avoid leaving your home's keys at obvious places like under the doormat or inside the flower pot at the entrance. This makes it easy for someone to access your house even if it is locked!
5. Ask a Trusted Neighbor to Monitor Your Home (and Utilize a Home Alarm System)
If you are leaving your house unattended for an extended time, it is always a good idea to reach out to someone you trust to keep an eye on your property while you’re away. This could be a family member or close friend if they live nearby... or even better, the kind neighbor across the street!
Many will enjoy the responsibility as trusted custodians and can often quickly tell when something strange is happening at home. Additionally, investing in some form of comprehensive security system can provide heightened protection. This may range from CCTV surveillance cameras with motion detection, all the way up to full-spectrum home alarms that sound off during breaking attempts.
Overall, creating a safe and secure environment while on extended trips keeps stress levels low and will give you peace of mind. Smart technology can especially make the job much, much easier, so don't forget to use it where you can when organizing your vacation!
