With many pandemic year restrictions loosening or being lifted across the country, travel planning is at the top of many people’s list of things to do this Summer season. And after a year spent in self-isolation, it might be easy to forget about securing your home (or even leaving it for an extended period of time!). Don’t let your worries ruin what should be time enjoyed with loved ones and seeing new places. With a few precautions and a bit of preparation, you can keep your home safe and secure while you’re away.
MAKE IT SEEM LIKE SOMEONE’S HOME
The Bureau of Justice reports that burglaries are more likely to happen in the summer months. Having signs that you aren’t home like dark windows and an empty parking spot will make a burglar think they have plenty of time to find valuables in your home. Also, home automation can change the scene of your home, even from the outside in, which can deter burglars. With the push of a button, you can set lights on a schedule, as well as arm and lock your home from anywhere, which can help keep thieves at bay.
UNPLUG UNNECESSARY ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES
Electronics and small appliances represent a fire hazard, so pull the plug before you go away. While you’re at it, turn down the water heater and, if you’ll be away for a week or more, turn off the water supply to sinks, toilets, the dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator and turn on your leak detector to avoid the possibility of floods. Finally, disconnect your GPS and remove it from your vehicle; a GPS stored a car parked in an airport parking lot not only tells thieves you’re not at home but will also direct them right to your front door.
TALK ABOUT TRAVELING – AFTER YOU TRAVEL
In the age of social media, it can feel like second nature to share your vacation excitement with your mobile app. Unfortunately, announcing your vacation dates online can also be an invitation to burglars. Here’s how to play the social media travel game: Never broadcast your travel plans online before or during your trip; save the joyful statuses and beautiful photos for after you’re home. In fact, before your travels, be careful of discussing plans in public with strangers around. Never change your voicemail to reflect that you’ll be away. And if you post to Facebook or other social media during your trip, make sure geotagging is turned off. Remember, the less information you share, the less likely it is to reach the eyes and ears of would-be thieves.
ADVERTISE AND ARM YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM
In a study by UNC Charlotte, “60% burglars indicated that the presence of an alarm would cause them to seek an alternative target altogether.” Tried and true, security company yard signs are a great theft deterrent. If you’re concerned that advertising your security company will give burglars a better idea of how to break in, buy generic “this home is monitored by 24-hour security” signs. Install fake cameras. Do whatever possible to communicate, “this is not the home you’re looking for.”
NOTIFY YOUR SECURITY COMPANY
Finally, and also obviously, the most effective way to keep your home safe and secure while you’re not there is to have a high-quality home security system installed and set the alarm. Did you know that homes without security systems are three times more likely to be burglarized than those with alarm systems?
Before traveling for your next trip, call your security company and let them know you’re setting the alarm, and you’ll be away. Also, clue them in if you’ll have a house sitter staying on the property (or a neighbor checking in). Leave an up-to-date list of people to contact (including your hotel info, if possible) in case of a security emergency.
FOR MORE SECURITY AND HOME AUTOMATION TIPS AND SOLUTIONS, STICK WITH ACS SECURITY
And if you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself and your family safe, check out our home security and automation services at ACS Security. We offer a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family. If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.