Protect Your Home While on Vacation

Whether you’re taking a weekend trip to a local beach resort or two-week adventure abroad, it is always important to protect your home while you’re away on vacation. According to reports by Fox News, home break-ins occur mostly in the summer months of July and August because it is most common time for homeowners to be away on vacation. Protect your home from crime by taking these simple, yet effective tips.

• Simulate Occupancy. In order to deter burglars, make sure it appears you are home. Use timed lights to illuminate your home during night hours and, if possible, use timed controllers to turn on a television or radio during the evening to make it seem like you are home. Also, make sure the yard is well-kept, the grass is trimmed, and the newspaper is collected to prevent tipping off burglars.
• Get the Neighbors Involved. Ask a trusted neighbor to watch over your house and to look out for any suspicious activity. Have them collect all of your mail, newspapers, and circulars so they do not collect on your driveway or in your mailbox. You may also have the post office hold your mail and get the neighborhood crime watch involved to ensure your home is safe.
• Do Your Part. It may seem like a no-brainer but always make sure all windows and door are locked and well-fortified. Make the investment and purchase pick-resistant locks for doors, sash locks for windows, and spend the money on a substantial alarm system to provide maximum security for your home. In addition, do not advertise you are going away on vacation on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, because this information could easily fall into the wrong hands.

Following these easy steps will ensure your home is safe from burglars and you can have a relaxing, worry-free vacation. Here’s to a summer…and peace of mind!