How to Secure Your Home While You're on Vacation

Going on vacation is exciting, but leaving your home unattended can bring concerns about security. Homes are vulnerable targets for burglars when homeowners are away, and it’s essential to take preventive measures to ensure your property is safe. Securing your home before leaving for a vacation involves more than just locking the doors and windows. With the rise of smart home technology and increased awareness about home security, there are numerous strategies available to protect your home while you’re away. This article will explore various ways to secure your home before going on vacation, including practical tips, smart solutions, and how to prepare for a stress-free time away.

Understanding the Risks

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Before we delve into how to secure your home, it’s important to understand the risks involved. Vacations typically mean leaving your home unoccupied for extended periods, which makes it an attractive target for criminals. According to various studies, burglars often look for signs that a home is unoccupied, such as uncollected mail, piled-up newspapers, or dark, quiet houses.

Moreover, research suggests that the vast majority of burglars are opportunistic. They will target homes that seem easy to break into and avoid those that appear secure or well-monitored. Understanding this risk should motivate you to take comprehensive steps to safeguard your home.

Steps to Secure Your Home Before Going on Vacation

1. Install a Home Security System

A reliable home security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your property when you’re away. Modern systems offer a range of features, including video surveillance, motion detection, and remote access. By installing cameras at key entry points—like doors and windows—you can monitor your home in real-time, receive alerts about suspicious activity, and record footage that could be valuable if an incident occurs.

Smart security cameras: These cameras allow you to view live footage from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, no matter where you are. Some models even come with two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone near your home.
Motion detectors: These sensors can detect movement around your property. When paired with your home security system, they can trigger alarms or notifications if an intruder is detected.
Window and door sensors: Placing sensors on doors and windows will alert you if they are opened, helping you prevent break-ins.

2. Use Smart Lighting to Create the Illusion of Occupancy

One of the first things burglars notice when targeting a house is whether the property is well-lit. A house with dark windows suggests no one is home, which makes it more vulnerable to break-ins. By using smart lighting, you can mimic the appearance of someone being home, even when you’re not.

Timers and motion-activated lights: Set timers for your indoor lights to turn on and off at specific times. Alternatively, motion-activated lights around your home’s perimeter can make it appear as if someone is moving about inside.
Smart lighting apps: Many smart lighting systems offer apps that allow you to control your lights remotely. This gives you the flexibility to adjust the lighting schedule, even while you’re on vacation, to simulate your normal routine.

3. Keep Your Mail and Deliveries Secure

An overflowing mailbox or packages left at the door can be a dead giveaway to burglars that you’re away. It’s important to prevent these telltale signs of absence by taking some simple steps.

Request a hold on your mail: Contact your local post office and request that they hold your mail while you’re on vacation. This ensures that your mailbox isn’t stuffed with letters and packages that would otherwise indicate that you’re not home.
Have packages delivered to a neighbor: If you’re expecting packages while you’re away, consider asking a neighbor or friend to receive them for you. Alternatively, you can use package-locker services or have items delivered to your workplace.
Stop subscription services: Cancel or pause any subscription services, such as newspapers or magazines, during your absence. A pile of newspapers in your driveway can be a clear sign that no one is home.

4. Lock All Doors and Windows

This may seem like a basic step, but it’s crucial not to overlook it. Many burglaries happen because homeowners forget to lock doors or windows before leaving. Go around your house and ensure every window and door is securely locked.

Check the garage: Many people forget to secure the garage, which can be an easy point of entry for burglars. Make sure the garage door is locked, and if you have an automatic opener, unplug it or use a security feature that prevents it from being opened remotely.
Reinforce entry points: Consider adding deadbolts or security bars to doors and windows for added protection. Sliding glass doors can also be reinforced with a wooden dowel or a lock.

5. Inform Trusted Neighbors or Friends

Another effective way to secure your home while on vacation is by relying on trusted neighbors or friends. Inform them of your vacation dates and ask if they would be willing to keep an eye on your property.

House-sitting services: If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, consider hiring a house-sitter to stay in your home while you’re away. This provides an added layer of security, and it gives your property an even more lived-in appearance.
Neighbor check-ins: Ask your neighbor to periodically check your home, bring in your trash cans, and park in your driveway occasionally to create the impression that someone is home.

6. Use Social Media Caution

Social media is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, but it’s also a platform where burglars can gather valuable information. It’s tempting to share your vacation photos in real-time, but doing so can make your home a target.

Avoid posting travel plans: Refrain from sharing your exact travel dates or location on social media until after you return. If you post vacation updates while you’re away, you’re essentially telling people your home is unoccupied.
Check privacy settings: Ensure your social media accounts are set to private so only people you trust can view your posts. This limits the amount of personal information that can be accessed by strangers.

7. Install an Alarm System with a Monitoring Service

If you haven’t already, consider investing in a monitored alarm system. These systems will alert both you and a professional monitoring center if they detect any suspicious activity, like a break-in or fire.

24/7 monitoring: With a monitoring service, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home is being watched even when you’re thousands of miles away. Monitoring centers can notify authorities in case of emergencies, which can lead to a quicker response time and potentially stop criminals in their tracks.
Panic button: Some alarm systems have panic buttons or other emergency features that allow you to quickly alert authorities in case of an emergency, whether it’s a break-in or another type of threat.

8. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

When going on vacation, it’s also a good idea to secure your Wi-Fi network, especially if you rely on smart devices to manage your home security. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in home networks, so take steps to secure them.

Change your router password: If it’s been a while since you updated your Wi-Fi password, now’s a good time to do so. Use a strong, unique password that’s difficult to guess.
Disable remote access: If your security system has remote access, consider temporarily disabling it while you’re away. This can help minimize the risk of unauthorized access to your cameras and other devices.

9. Unplug Unnecessary Appliances

While this may not directly affect your home security, unplugging unnecessary appliances before you leave is a smart idea to avoid electrical hazards. It also saves energy and can prevent damage to devices from potential power surges.

Disconnect electronics: Unplug televisions, computers, and other electronics that you won’t be using while away. This not only reduces the risk of fire but also minimizes your energy consumption.
Turn off water valves: In case of leaks or plumbing issues, consider turning off the main water valve to prevent flooding while you’re away.

10. Prepare for Emergencies

Even with all the security measures in place, emergencies can still happen. Make sure you’re prepared for the unexpected.

Emergency contact list: Leave a list of emergency contacts, including neighbors, family members, and your security service provider, with a trusted person who can act on your behalf if necessary.
Key access: If you’re not having a house-sitter, give a trusted person a spare key and security system access, in case of emergencies such as a water leak, fire, or another urgent situation.

Conclusion

Securing your home while you’re on vacation is about more than just locking doors and windows. It involves a combination of traditional security measures, smart technology, and preparation to ensure that your property stays safe. By installing a home security system, using smart lighting, securing deliveries, and informing trusted neighbors, you can protect your home from break-ins and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Additionally, consider being cautious on social media, securing your Wi-Fi, and taking steps to prepare for emergencies. Every home and situation is unique, but with the right planning, you can make your property less attractive to criminals and significantly reduce the likelihood of any security incidents while you’re away.