Going on Vacation Consider Your Home Security
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Richard Armen
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Published on 03/17/2010
If you're going on your dream vacation, you probably can't wait to get away You have it planned right down to the last detail, and it's going to be perfect
If you're going on your dream vacation, you probably can't wait to get away! You have it planned right down to the last detail, and it's going to be perfect. Perfect, that is, until you return from your vacation only to find out that your house has been ransacked and all of your belongings are missing. This happens to more people each year than you probably realize. Don't let it happen to you!
Planning for home security when you're going on vacation is crucial, but it is often overlooked. Even those with an alarm system should consider their home security before they leave. You should never leave home for an extended period of time without taking the following precautions:
Conduct a home security check. Walk around your home, and make sure all of the doors and windows are locked securely. For added security, install alarms, security lights, and cameras around exterior doors and windows. Some security cameras can even be networked so that you can check in on your home through the internet while you're away.
Make sure your mail and newspaper deliveries aren't stacking up. If you'll be gone for an extended period of time, have the post office hold your mail, and stop your newspaper delivery. If you've hired someone to watch your house while you're away, have them pick up your mail and newspapers. If you let your deliveries stack up outside your home, burglars will surely know that you've left, making this a prime opportunity to break in without getting caught.
Along the same principle, hire someone to cut your grass, shovel your snow, and otherwise care for your property, especially if you're leaving for several weeks or more. The purpose of this is to make it appear that someone is living in the home and taking care of the property.
Give your housesitter the spare key directly, rather than hiding it under the doormat or anywhere else on your property. If you have a habit of hiding a key in case you lock yourself out, remove it before you leave for vacation. Burglars know all of the hiding spots for hidden keys, and will find yours.
Use electrical timers to approximate your normal routine. Those with dogs may also want to purchase a barking dog alarm. Those who are leaving for a week or more should have a neighbor or friend park their car in the driveway occasionally. The purpose of such timed noises and lights is to make your home appear to be lived in.
Never change your answering machine message to let others know you'll be away from home for any period of time. While this may seem like a courteous step, it will actually let potential criminals know just when to attack. You may also be able to access your voicemail remotely so that you can respond to messages promptly even when you're away. At the same time, do inform your trusted neighbors that you will be gone, so that they can keep an eye on your home.
Burglars look for the easiest targets- a home that looks unoccupied, with an easy entrance point. While you're gone on vacation, a burglar will have an easier time getting in and out without getting caught. Assess your security risks before you go away for peace of mind that you won't return to a burglarized home.
Planning for home security when you're going on vacation is crucial, but it is often overlooked. Even those with an alarm system should consider their home security before they leave. You should never leave home for an extended period of time without taking the following precautions:
Conduct a home security check. Walk around your home, and make sure all of the doors and windows are locked securely. For added security, install alarms, security lights, and cameras around exterior doors and windows. Some security cameras can even be networked so that you can check in on your home through the internet while you're away.
Make sure your mail and newspaper deliveries aren't stacking up. If you'll be gone for an extended period of time, have the post office hold your mail, and stop your newspaper delivery. If you've hired someone to watch your house while you're away, have them pick up your mail and newspapers. If you let your deliveries stack up outside your home, burglars will surely know that you've left, making this a prime opportunity to break in without getting caught.
Along the same principle, hire someone to cut your grass, shovel your snow, and otherwise care for your property, especially if you're leaving for several weeks or more. The purpose of this is to make it appear that someone is living in the home and taking care of the property.
Give your housesitter the spare key directly, rather than hiding it under the doormat or anywhere else on your property. If you have a habit of hiding a key in case you lock yourself out, remove it before you leave for vacation. Burglars know all of the hiding spots for hidden keys, and will find yours.
Use electrical timers to approximate your normal routine. Those with dogs may also want to purchase a barking dog alarm. Those who are leaving for a week or more should have a neighbor or friend park their car in the driveway occasionally. The purpose of such timed noises and lights is to make your home appear to be lived in.
Never change your answering machine message to let others know you'll be away from home for any period of time. While this may seem like a courteous step, it will actually let potential criminals know just when to attack. You may also be able to access your voicemail remotely so that you can respond to messages promptly even when you're away. At the same time, do inform your trusted neighbors that you will be gone, so that they can keep an eye on your home.
Burglars look for the easiest targets- a home that looks unoccupied, with an easy entrance point. While you're gone on vacation, a burglar will have an easier time getting in and out without getting caught. Assess your security risks before you go away for peace of mind that you won't return to a burglarized home.