There’s nothing quite as relaxing as getting out of town on a long, luxurious vacation—unless you’re worried about your home the whole time.
When you're on holiday, the last thing you want to stress about is your home’s safety, but vacations are primetime for thefts. A burglary occurs every 15.4 seconds in the US, but these few simple prevention tips can ensure your home is safe to put your mind at ease!
It Takes a Village
Let neighbors, friends and family know that you’ll be away and ask them to check on your home while you’re gone. Give them your contact information, so they can stay in touch. Leave a key with a trusted person, instead of under a door mat in case emergency access is necessary.
The Power of Technology
One of the best ways to protect your home is by using the ADT app for smartphones to keep an eye on things. This cutting-edge technology makes it easy to link your security system to your smartphone, so you can check up on your house whenever you want. You can arm and disarm the system, watch recorded video footage and track your window and door sensors—all from your smartphone. Contact the best home security Indianapolis has to offer to get everything set up and to ensure that your home is safe and sound.
Hidden Away
Don’t leave any valuables sitting out, especially near windows that are easily within street or sidewalk view. Instead, transfer your treasured items to a safe, locked trunk or a bank safety deposit box for the duration of your trip.
Let There Be Light
Thieves love dark houses, so keep yours light and bright, inside and out. Use an auto timer to turn lights on at night and off during the day. Keep your home’s exterior lit with motion sensor lights. Movement triggers these lights, so you don’t have to leave them on all the time.
Keeping Up Appearances
It’s important to make your home look like someone’s living there in order to discourage thieves. Use a timer to turn your television on and off, creating sound and light that mimics occupancy. Turn off the ringer on your landline phone, so it doesn’t ring and ring.
Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway occasionally, and make sure someone brings your trash or recycle bins in from the curb after pick-up day.
Finally, though it may be tempting to close all your curtains and blinds, a shuttered house can be a tip-off to burglars. Instead, leave your blinds and shades in their normal positions.
Avoid the "Hoarder's" Yard
Nothing says: “No one’s home, please break in!” quite like piled up newspapers, stacks of unopened letters and a shaggy, unkempt yard.
Avoid these thief-magnets by setting up a few temporary services before you leave. If you receive a daily or weekend paper, have delivery stopped for the duration of your trip. Send a “hold mail” notice to the post office so your mail doesn’t build up in the mailbox. Ask a neighbor to keep their eyes open for any packages that may be delivered to your front door, too.
Hire a yard maintenance company to keep the outside of your home looking well groomed and occupied. Even a weekly once-over by a lawnmower makes a huge difference in your home's appearance, especially if you're gone for a long time.
Following these preventative measures keeps your home safe allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
