If you're planning an upcoming trip, you are probably interested in ways to keep your home safe while on vacation. Being away from home for several days may cause a little anxiety. It’s difficult to monitor your house while away, and if you do not have an alarm system, you may fear a break-in. Some intruders know how to identify an empty house. For this reason, it's important that you learn ways to keep your home safe while on vacation.
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1. Get Timers for Your Lights
If you are looking for ways to keep your home safe while on vacation, consider timers for lights. Set timers to turn on and off at a certain hour, which gives the impression that there's activity inside the home. Another option: purchase motion sensor lights for your front and backyard. If anyone walks on your property, the lights will turn on.
2. Don't Announce Vacations
With Twitter and Facebook, many people habitually announce everything that happens in their lives. This can include new jobs and entertainment, as well as vacations. Understandably, you're excited and want to share your good news. However, this information can reach the wrong people. Only share vacation plans with a few select friends.
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3. Don't Post Pics
The same way you wouldn't announce your vacation on social media, be careful about posting pictures. This is difficult especially when you're excited, but the more pics you post while you're away, the higher your risk for a break-in. Take plenty of pictures while you're on vacation, but don't post them online until you return.
4. Talk to Your Children
Help children understand the importance of not sharing information about an upcoming family trip. They may share this information with classmates or other children in the neighborhood. This is dangerous. If bored, these children may decide to trespass on your property.
5. Ask a Neighbor to Stay Watchful
If you trust your next-door neighbor, ask this person to keep an eye on your house. They might report any unusual activity to the police, and if packages arrive at your front door, they can remove these. If you don't feel comfortable talking with your neighbor, ask a relative, a friend or a coworker to drive by your house a few times a week.
Go a step further and ask someone to stay at your home.
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6. Stop Deliveries
If you subscribe to the daily newspaper, contact your local distribution center and temporarily suspend your service. An accumulation of newspapers in your front yard can indicate that your family is away. Also, contact the Postal Service and ask them to hold your mail. An accumulation of mail in your box also says that you’re away, thus increasing your risk for a break-in.
7. Hire a Lawn Service
If you ordinarily keep your grass cut and tidy, an overgrown lawn will draw attention. Cut your grass before you leave. And if you plan on being away for an extended period, ask a neighbor to cut your grass. If this isn’t doable, hire a lawn care service on a temporary basis.
Vacations are fun and the perfect time to relax with your family. You shouldn’t be worrying about break-ins and intruders. Take these steps to keep your home safe and enjoy peace of mind. What measures have you taken to keep your property safe?
