When it comes to preparing for a long-distance holiday, attempting to tick off a checklist as long as your arm is one thing, but before jetting off to sunnier climates, the security and safety of your home while you are away are critical.
You work hard, so taking vacations is essential for your mental health. If you’re like us, you spend half your holiday time worrying about things back home, which isn’t relaxing.
If you are concerned about home security, we can assist you. But where to begin? You’ll find helpful information below on how to ensure your home is secure before you leave so you can focus on having a great time while you’re gone.
Make your home appear occupied
A vacant house is an open invitation to burglars. The key is to avoid attracting their attention in the first place.
They’ll be looking for the following indicators:
- Posts are piling up
- Deliveries are stacked near the front door
- An empty driveway with no vehicle outside
- No lights on at night or lights that appear to be on a timer
- Plants that have grown out of control or a lawn that needs to be mowed
- Bins that have not been emptied or returned to their original position after a certain period
All of these are potential red flags. Give a trusted neighbour, family member, or friend a spare key and ask them to check in regularly to reduce the chances of a break-in. They can open and close the curtains, turn on and off the lights, collect your mail, and manage your bins – and it’s even better if they can park their car in your driveway.
If you want to take it a step further, you could hire a house sitter to live in your house while you’re away. It could be a close friend or family member. Cancel any regular deliveries, and don’t order anything online that might arrive while you’re away.
Remember to lock up
Locking all your doors before going on holiday is a no-brainer, but don’t forget to secure other openings, such as pet door, to prevent burglars from reaching in with a tool and unlocking the door. If you have an automatic garage door, consider disconnecting the electronic opener and instead placing a padlock on the track. Smart locks allow you to remotely control the entry to your home.
Keep an eye on what you post on social media
We know how tempting it is to share details or photos from your holiday on social media. But, while that barely-filtered photo of a bright blue lagoon makes all your friends jealous, it also reveals to potential thieves that you’re far away from home.
To keep burglars at bay, don’t reveal any details about your trip until you return. If you can’t resist, here’s a workable solution: Remove geotags from social media posts using a metadata removal tool, or disable your phone’s geotagging feature. Also, make certain that your sharing settings are set to private or “Friends Only.”
Use lighting wisely
The rise of the internet has resulted in advancements in smart home technology. Many appliances, including home lighting, can now be controlled remotely via smartphone.
Smart lighting allows you to turn on your lights from your phone while sipping a cocktail on the beach. This is an excellent investment because it allows you to control your lighting and create the illusion that someone is at home while you are away. Using the same technology, you can also receive a live video stream from your security cameras, keeping you connected from wherever you are.
Enlist the help of your neighbours
Inform a trusted neighbour that you will be gone for an extended period and ask them to keep an eye on your house. Instruct them to contact the authorities if they notice anything suspicious or dangerous on the premises. In the worst-case scenario, give them your holiday contact information as well as a spare key.
Contact your alarm service
A burglar alarm may reduce your home insurance premiums depending on your insurance provider. Even if it does not, it is likely to reduce the chances of being burgled.
There are various types of burglar alarms available, making it easier to find one that fits your budget and level of security.
- Bell-only alarms are equipped with various motion sensors that are linked to a central control panel and can be wireless (battery-powered) or wired in, requiring professional installation.
- Monitored alarm systems communicate with an alarm-receiving centre (ARC), where a staff member will call or text you or a designated keyholder if the alarm goes off. They could also call the cops.
Take out your spare key
We’re sure you came up with an ingenious way to hide your spare key that isn’t beneath a flowerpot, above a doorframe, or beneath a phoney plastic rock. A seasoned criminal, on the other hand, will most likely look for it long and hard. Simply remove the key before leaving and leave it at a neighbour’s house for safekeeping to avoid handing a thief your home’s possessions on a silver platter.
Turn off all appliances
To avoid electrical fires or power surges, unplug all unnecessary non-timed appliances, such as TVs, coffee makers, and lamps. Also, ensure that your smoke alarms are in working order and that you have a fire extinguisher on hand in case a house sitter needs to put out a fire. Consider purchasing homeowners or renters insurance because disasters can strike even the most well-prepared household.
When planning a holiday, it is easy to become preoccupied with the trip itself and overlook the need to prepare for your return. These pointers will help you feel confident that your home is ready for you to return. Relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that these items are checked off your list.
Have a look at Travel Safety Basics to Know While on Vacation.
