Vacation? No Problem! Here are Some Simple Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe

Hey, travelers! Let's keep your home safe while you're away.

Are you planning on going on vacation soon? Before you set off, there are a few things you can do to keep your home safe while you're away.

1. Get your home security all set up.

1. Install a home security system - This is the most effective way to protect your home while away. A security system can alert authorities in case of an intrusion, and many systems come with features like security cameras that can help you monitor your home remotely.
2. Lock all windows and doors - This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure all windows and doors are securely locked before you leave.
3. Don't leave spare keys outside - Burglars know all the classic hiding spots for spare keys, so avoid leaving them outside your home. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend.
4. Set up smart home features lights or thermostats you can program them to turn on or off at certain times, making it look like someone is still in the house.

2. Make your house look like it's still occupied.

One of the biggest concerns when leaving your home unattended is ensuring it does not appear vacant to potential burglars. Here are some tips on how to make your house look like it's still occupied:

Leave lights on – Consider installing timers to turn lights on and off at specific times to give the illusion of someone being home.
Stop mail and newspaper delivery – An overflowing mailbox or newspaper pile indicates no one is at home. Ask for them to be held or arrange for a neighbor to collect them.
Keep the yard maintained – An unkempt yard can signal to burglars that no one is home. Arrange for someone to mow the lawn or water the plants while you are away.

3. Be careful about sharing on social media.

In our digital age, many of us love to share our experiences and photos on social media platforms. However, it is important to be careful about what we share. Here are a few tips to help keep your home safe while on vacation and avoid drawing the attention of potential burglars:

Don't announce your vacation plans – Avoid announcing on social media when leaving for a vacation or sharing photos while you are away. This can signal to burglars that your home is vacant and an easy target for burglary.
Wait to share photos – Waiting until you have returned from your vacation to share pictures and updates on social media platforms will help to ensure burglars do not target your home while you are away.
Don't disclose your location – Be cautious about revealing your location on social media platforms, as this can give burglars a clear idea of when you are not at home.
Review your privacy settings – Review your social media privacy settings to ensure your information and photos are not shared with strangers or people you don't know.
Consider sharing with a select group – If you still want to share photos and updates with friends and family on social media, consider creating a private group or only sharing with a select group of people you trust.

By being careful about what we share on social media, we can help keep our homes safe while on vacation.

4. Don't forget the little things – lights and plants.

When planning a vacation, it's easy to focus on big things like packing and travel arrangements and forget the small but important details that keep our homes safe while away. Here are two little things that can make a big difference:

Lights – A dark, unlit house is an invitation to burglars. To give the impression that someone is home, consider using timers to turn lights on and off at random intervals. You can also ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home and turn the lights on and off.
Plants – Unkempt yards and dead plants can signal to burglars that you're not home. To keep up appearances, have someone mow your lawn while you're away and water your plants. Another option is to use fake plants that don't require maintenance and never die.

Taking care of these little things can create a more convincing illusion of occupancy and make your home less attractive to burglars.

5. Enlist a friend or neighbor for backup.

It's always a good idea to enlist the help of a trusted friend or neighbor to watch over your home. Here are a few important reasons why having a backup is so crucial:

Emergencies – Having someone close by can make all the difference in an emergency. Your backup can be responsible for contacting emergency services, such as the police or fire department, and ensuring that your home is safe.

Security checks – Your backup can periodically check on your home to ensure it is secure and nothing seems out of place.
Plant and pet care – If you have plants or pets, it's essential to have someone looking after them while you're away. Your backup can help care for your plants and ensure your pets are fed and cared for.

6. Leave a car parked in your driveway.

Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway or to use your garbage can on garbage day to show that someone is still living in the house.

7. Enjoy your vacation with peace of mind!

Vacation is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, it can be difficult to truly relax if you're worried about the safety and security of your home while you're away. By following these tips, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about the safety and security of your home. Remember to relax and have fun – you deserve it!

7 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While You Are on Vacation