Summer is in full swing! And since it’s the season of open travel schedules, it’s no surprise that you’re likely planning a trip of your own. But vacation home security may be the last thing on your mind. How can you be sure that your home is safe while you’re away?
With a home security system from My Alarm Center, you can leave your home with the same peace of mind you’ve had all year inside, and vacation with even more confidence with our home away security tips!
Be Mindful of Who Knows You’re Away
It’s common practice to ask a kind and trusted neighbor to check on your home while you’re away. And depending on how long you plan to be gone, it never hurts to stop the flow of regular deliveries and mail service. Home maintenance is always a plus, too; a freshly cut lawn doesn’t indicate vacancy for a would-be thief!
Beware of Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become important tools for burglars. A simple scan of social feeds and recent travel posts can reveals who is home and who is not at specific time and dates. Some important ways to cover your tracks online include:
- Avoid announcing specific dates you plan to travel, no matter how excited you are
- Keeping all social profiles private, when possible
- Waiting to post any vacation photos until after you’re home
Travel Safely and Securely
Beware of what you leave behind when you travel. If you’re driving, know what’s in your vehicle. Parking lots can be valuable assets to potential thieves. In the event of a break-in, you could lose important personal information that reveals your home address, and gadgets like garage door openers can provide easy access to your home.
Get rid of your clever hiding places for your house keys. Good thieves know all the tricks and even neighborhood vandals know to look for fake rocks or the classic, under the welcome mat go-to.
And although it’s nice to have a friend check-in while you are away, use your smart phone and home camera system to check on your home in real time. Most alarm systems can even send you alerts if something is wrong.
Avoid Household Disasters
Beyond the worry of potential intruders while you’re away, it’s important to protect your home against the possibility for other natural disasters and accidents to occur.
Unplug your electronics. High summer temperatures can create power surges that harm your gadgets and increase your risk for an accidental fire. Protect them by unplugging them before you leave. Better yet, make sure your monitored smoke and CO detectors are working properly!
Protect yourself against flooding! Look for drops of water and rust or corrosion around your water heater before you leave. Although there is no sure way to know when a water heater will start leaking, a simple check before you leave might prevent a problem while you are gone. Nothing is worse than coming home to a flooded basement!
Keep your home cool while you’re gone. Don’t make the mistake of turning off your air conditioning while on vacation. Experts say in humid summers like those throughout many parts of the country, a hot home can attract mold. Keep the thermostat somewhere in the mid-80s to avoid this problem. And if you have a smart thermostat, you can regulate your home’s temperature through smart home devices.
For More Security and Home Automation Tips and Solutions, Stick with My Alarm Center
It may seem like a lot to worry about. But if you check your boxes before you punch your travel ticket, that time away is just a little sweeter! My Alarm Center wants you to be safe while on vacation. Protect your home by following these tips and getting a home security system installed. You may also be interested in learning what you can do to stay safe while traveling. Check out our deeper dive on safety tips while traveling and don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
And if you’re looking for more ways to keep yourself and your family safe, check out our home security and automation services at My Alarm Center. We offer a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family. If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.