Going on vacation is thrilling, but it can also be scary to leave your home unattended! So whether you’re away for a week or a month, there are a few things you can do to keep your abode as safe as possible; these are the top security tips.
1Set The HVAC Or Get A Smart System
Save yourself the heartache of an unfortunately high electricity bill by remembering to set or turn off your HVAC system. An even better option is to get a smart thermostat for a low price so that you can control it from wherever you are.
This ensures the temperatures stay steady and that you can check in on your system at any time.
2 Set Timers on Interior Lights
One of the fastest ways a thief can tell if someone isn’t home is if their lights are out every night, all night. This shows that nobody’s home and that there’s an opportunity for them to get in and take what they want.
Cheap outlet timers can be found on sites like Amazon for less than ten dollars for a set of two, meaning you can easily buy several and deck out your home in lights that go on and off throughout the night.
3 Have Your Mail On Hold or Have Someone Pick It Up
If your mail piles up, people will notice. Whether that means someone seeing the mail service have to cram your letters into your mailbox or packages piling up on your front porch, it can be an obvious sign that nobody is home to take care of these or protect your home.
You can hire someone to stop in and check on your home, picking up the mail while they’re there: but this can cost between ten to twenty dollars a day and will quickly add up depending on how long your vacation is.
Get in contact with the USPS and ask for a vacation mail hold so that your mail will be set aside until you return. This can take some time, but it’s worth it to ensure that your property is safe.
4 Check All Entrances To Ensure They’re Locked
Before you go, check every window, door, and other entrance to ensure it’s locked and sealed. This includes doggy doors!
If you have loose or old windows or doors, ensure that you have a good house alarm system to back you up while you’re gone. These systems will be your eyes and ears while you’re out of the house and will allow you to catch or deter a thief.
5 Avoid Making Social Media Posts
We all want to share our vacations and happiest moments with those we love: but over fifty percent of burglaries are committed by someone who knew the victim. Posting publicly about your trip may attract the wrong kind of attraction and allow someone to plan and execute a break-in.
Post when you get back into town, and recap your adventures. This will also give you a chance to enjoy your vacation as it happens rather than thinking about social media.
