Holidays are a time to relax and enjoy, but leaving your home unattended can bring potential risks. Unfortunately, empty houses are prime targets for burglars during the holiday season. Taking proactive steps to secure your property ensures peace of mind while you’re away. From installing modern security systems to maintaining the appearance of an occupied home, a few simple measures can make a significant difference.
This guide provides practical tips to keep your property safe so you can fully enjoy your time away.
Steps to Protect Your Home While You’re Away
When you leave town, your home is vulnerable to burglary and unexpected events. Here’s how to protect it:
1. Lock Up Every Door and Window
Before heading out, do a full walkthrough to check all doors and windows. Make sure they’re securely locked. If you don’t already have deadbolts on your exterior doors, consider upgrading, it’s an easy way to make it harder for anyone to break in. Sliding doors are a weak spot for many homes, so add a sturdy rod or dowel in the track to keep them in place.
Don’t forget the garage. It’s often overlooked but can be an easy target. For emergencies or lock upgrades, consult a London locksmith 24h service to ensure your home is fully secured before you leave.
2. Install a Home Security System
A home security system is one of the best ways to protect your home while you’re away. These systems do more than just sound an alarm. Many come with cameras, motion detectors, and even professional monitoring. You can also go for a DIY system if you’re on a budget.
Most systems now let you control them from your phone, so you can arm or disarm them remotely and even check live camera feeds.
Even just having a security company’s sign or a camera visible outside can make potential intruders think twice.
3. Use Smart Lighting and Automation
Smart lighting is a great way to make it look like someone’s home, even if the house is empty. You can set timers for lights to turn on and off in different rooms, mimicking normal activity.
- Indoor options: Use smart plugs or Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs to schedule your lights. Choose random times for added realism.
- Outdoor lighting: Motion-activated lights around your doors and driveway can scare off anyone snooping around.
4. Keep Your Plans Private
If you’re tempted to share your vacation photos on Facebook, skip the pre-departure posts. Burglars love announcements like, “We’re headed to the beach for two weeks!” Share your photos when you return.
Tell a trusted friend or neighbor your departure and return dates in case they can keep an eye on your home. Don’t leave notes for newspaper and mail delivery, and avoid opening curtains and closing treatments if you have a view.
5. Stop Deliveries and Mail
A mailbox stuffed with letters or packages sitting on your porch screams, “Nobody’s home!” Take a few minutes to put a hold on your mail with the post office or ask a neighbor to grab it for you.
If you get newspapers or other regular deliveries, pause those, too. For important shipments, redirect them to a secure pickup location like an Amazon Locker.
6. Maintain Your Property’s Appearance
A house that looks neglected can be a red flag for potential intruders. Keep up appearances by arranging for someone to handle basic upkeep while you’re gone.
Hire someone to mow the grass or rake leaves if you’re away for more than a week. If it’s snowy, ask a neighbor to shovel your driveway or clear walkways.
7. Use Video Doorbells and Outdoor Cameras
Smart cameras and video doorbells give you eyes on your home no matter where you are. A video doorbell lets you see who’s at your door and even talk to them, which can be helpful for deterring unwanted visitors.
- Outdoor cameras: Position cameras to cover key areas like your front and back doors, driveway, and any side entrances.
- Remote monitoring: Many systems let you check live feeds and store recordings in case you need them later.
Common Holiday Security Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common missteps to keep your home safe during the holidays:
- Sharing travel plans online: Posting about your trip on social media can alert intruders. Wait until you’re back to share updates.
- Forgetting to lock up: Check all doors, windows, and even garage entrances. Reinforce sliding doors with a rod or dowel.
- Neglecting your property: Uncollected mail, packages, or an overgrown lawn signal an empty home. Pause deliveries or ask a neighbor to help.
- Skipping security measures: Use visible cameras, motion lights, and alarm systems to deter break-ins.
- Ignoring outdoor upkeep: Keep bushes trimmed and entryways well-lit to eliminate hiding spots.
Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Secure Your Home This Holiday?
Taking the time to secure your home before heading out for the holidays is essential for peace of mind. Simple actions like locking all entry points, setting up smart lighting, pausing mail, and using visible security measures can significantly reduce risks. Avoid sharing your travel plans publicly and maintain your home’s appearance to keep it from looking empty. With a few proactive steps, you can enjoy your holiday knowing your home is safe and sound.
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