It’s probably no surprise but most homes are broken into during July and August, prime vacation time. We’ve all been there – excited about finally taking a long awaited break but at the same time you’re worried about making sure everything is OK at home.
In order to keep your home safe while you’re out of town, there are a number of preventative measures you can take that will put your mind at ease.
One of the main ways you can feel better about leaving home is to ask a relative, neighbor or friend if they would mind checking on your house while you’re gone. Provide them with a spare key so they can bring your newspapers or mail in, while also watering your plants and even caring for your pets. Having someone check in daily will also ensure that no other issues, such as wiring or burst pipes, occur.
In addition to installing a professional security system, you can also place deadbolts on your doors and windows, making it more difficult for thieves to get into your house. It’s also important that you don’t leave computers on and that all valuables, including documents, are locked up or placed in a safety deposit box at the bank for safe keeping.
It’s also crucial that you don’t announce your plans on social media. Believe it or not, thieves scour Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., trying to figure out who’s home and who isn’t. Not only should you keep it off social media, you should also refrain from relaying your plans on answering machines.
Other tips include:
- Speaking with your police department to let them know you’ll be out of town and would appreciate it if they could provide a presence in your neighborhood.
- Don’t leave your lights on around the clock – that’s a dead giveaway in the middle of the night that no one is home. Buy a timer that will allow you to schedule when the lights come on and go off.
- Have your mail and newspaper stopped until you return. Nothing screams nobody’s home like a lawn littered with still rolled up newspapers and a box full of mail.
- Unplug appliances that aren’t being used while you’re on vacation. This will not only save you money, but protect them from power surges.
- If you’re gone for more than a week have someone mow your yard.
- If you have more than one car, leave one in plain sight in the driveway. This could certainly deter thieves.
Finally, if you generally leave a spare key on top of the door, in a flower pot or under a welcome mat, make sure you take it before you leave on vacation. Trust us, thieves will check all of those places. Call one of our Fleenor Security representatives today, they will be happy to answer all of your security system questions.
