Vacation Security Tips

We all love a vacation. Whether it be laying out on the beach or going on a skiing trip, it’s nice to relax and take a break from our usual schedules. But wait! Did I lock the back door? Was that window left ajar? Did I leave the spare key underneath the doormat? Although you may be in paradise, questions like these circling your mind will take you right back home, worrying if everything is secure. 

With summer right around the corner, here are some security tips to ensure that your home is protected while you lounge on the beach.

Lock Doors and Windows

While this may seem obvious, it’s easy to forget to ensure that all entrances to your home are properly secured before you leave for vacation. This is pertinent for ground floor doors and windows, as these are the main entry points for burglars. Before you leave for vacation, test all your locks and replace ones that are not functioning properly. It is helpful to do this around a week before you leave, as it gives you ample time to replace any malfunctioning locks. 

Installing Cameras

Having cameras installed around your property is a great deterrent to criminal activity. Burglars are less likely to attempt to enter a home if their actions will be captured on camera. Most cameras also give you the ability to check on your home remotely with a mobile device, allowing you to feel secure from another part of the globe.

Outlet Timers

A house that remains motionless and dark for multiple days may become a target for burglars. Outlet timers are devices that can be programmed to switch an outlet on or off during different hours of the day and for certain amounts of time. Using these devices, lights and televisions can be set to switch on at various times, giving the impression that somebody is home. This is a significant deterrent for criminals, as they do not want to enter a home that appears occupied.

Inform a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

Having a trusted individual keep an eye on your home while you are away is a good practice. Leave this person your phone number so they can contact you in case of an emergency. Additionally, if you are gone for a long period of time, it is helpful to give the individual a spare key so they can check on your home and ensure nothing is awry.

Remove Spare Keys

Whether it be under the doormat or hidden in a potted plant, spare keys should be removed before you go on vacation. No matter how secure or hidden you think it may be, leaving a spare key outside poses a major risk to your home’s security. 

Be Weary of Social Media

While it may be tempting to post about your vacation or when you’re coming home to your followers, it also informs them that you are away and that your home is unoccupied. This may make it a target for burglary. To prevent this issue from happening, avoid posting the exact dates of your vacation online. Additionally, it is safer to post vacation pictures online once you return home, ensuring your belongings remain secure while you are on vacation.

ERA wishes you a happy and safe summer! Connect with a local ERA agent today!