📝 usncan Note: 15 Pro Tips To Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling
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This home may be an appealing target for burglars while owners travel this holiday.
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Millions of Americans will be hitting the road this weekend, driving, flying and cruising to destinations near and far. What many have in common is leaving their homes vacant while they’re gone. Here are 15 tips from two pros for enhancing the safety and security of your residence while you’re away.
Angie Hicks is co-founder of home improvement resource site Angi (formerly Angie’s List) and David Vranicar is managing director with FBS Fortified and Ballistic Security in the Ft. Lauderdale area.
Periphery Check
- “You’ll want to make a pass around your house to make sure that all your windows are closed and locked, as well as any side or back doors,” Hicks suggests.
- You’ll also want to check your landscaping. “An overgrown or unkempt lawn can be a sign that no one’s home,” she adds. Overgrown shrubs can also shield burglars from street view, so trim back your foliage to deny them concealment.
- Do a full perimeter check of your home, Vranicar declares: “Inspect every door, window, and access point for wear or weakness.”
- If you have time before you leave, he also suggests upgrading your deadbolt. “Reinforce your main entry by swapping in a better strike plate and longer screws. It’s a simple DIY task that drastically improves security,” he shares.
Strategic Thinking
- “Closing your home’s blinds will make it difficult for an unwanted visitor to assess whether or not your home is occupied,” Hicks observes. If you have smart shades, you can set them to open and close at strategic times.
- “Before leaving your home for your vacation, be sure to arm your alarm system. You can also get in touch with your provider to notify them of your travel plans and whether or not you’re expecting anyone at your house while you’re away,” Hicks suggests. She also recommends checking your doorbell camera if you have one to both make sure it’s working, and that it provides a clear, unobstructed view of people at your front door.
- “Make sure your video devices are fully functional, lenses clean, batteries charged, and apps connected,” Vranicar adds. He also recommends running a full diagnostic test on your home security system before you go. “Confirm sensors, motion detectors, and your monitoring service are all in sync.”
- Don’t forget your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: “It’s a great time to test them and replace batteries if needed,” Vranicar suggests.
- “Junk mail and newspapers can easily pile up when you’re gone, signaling that your house is unattended. An easy solution is to put your mail and newspaper delivery on hold.” You can also ask your neighbors to grab any flyers left at your doorstep. Sometimes these are dropped off by individuals hired by marketers and won’t be blocked by mail holds.
- Sliding doors can be a weak point in your home’s security. “Use a security bar or even a broomstick in the track to prevent forced entry,” Vranicar suggests.
- “Schedule your outdoor lighting to illuminate the doorways and dark areas around your home. You can also put a timer on a few indoor lights to help your home look more occupied,” Hicks recommends.
- Vranicar has an unexpected tip about your garage: “Especially if you’re leaving town, cut power to remote openers and use a manual lock from inside.”
Community
- “If any close neighbors are staying home for the holiday, you can notify them of your plans and if you’re expecting visitors. In case of an emergency or suspicious activity, they can call the proper authorities and notify you,” Hicks comments.
- “Most people are generally aware of common places to look for spare keys—under the welcome mat, above the door frame, under a potted plant, etc. Instead, give your spare key to a house sitter, friend, or neighbor in case of an emergency,” she adds.
- It’s tempting to post your trip on social media. Vranicar advises caution: “Wait until you’re back to share trip photos—don’t signal that your home is empty.
