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Summer’s arrival can push family members in many different directions as everyone tries to make the most of their free time. Yet there’s one activity that most families will participate in together: vacation.
Whether families go to the beach, mountains, foreign lands or some other remote destination, summer provides the perfect opportunity for them to get away and spend time together.
Amid all of the vacation excitement, however, families must be vigilant about protecting their homes while they’re away. Here are five tips from www.allhomesecurity.com to help you do just that:
Make your house look occupied
It’s important to create the appearance that someone is home even when the house is empty. By doing this, you can help deter would-be intruders that are more comfortable attempting a break-in when nobody is home or when all residents are asleep. Use timers to turn on TVs at high volume, keep lights on in multiple rooms or to play music that burglars can easily hear.
Keep all doors, windows, or other openings locked and closed
This tip seems like a no-brainer, but a surprising number of homeowners neglect to lock up. Nothing says “come on in” like a gaping garage door or an open window. Equally risky is an unlocked door or window that can be easily opened by a burglar. If nobody is going to be home while you are on vacation, there is no reason to keep points of entry unlocked. Even if you’ve asked a neighbor to bring in the mail while you’re away, it’s much safer to give him a key and let him lock the door on the way out every day.
Keep neighbors involved
Speaking of neighbors, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a trusted one keep an eye on your house while you’re gone. Even if the emergency doesn’t entail a possible break-in, neighbors can be very useful in noticing smoke coming from your home or other troubling alarms that may signal danger. If your neighbor notices an emergency, you have an effective line of defense at home while you are miles away.
Use a security system
Quality security systems can help protect your home even while you are away. These systems may feature high-decibel alarm sirens, infrared motion detectors, monitors for carbon monoxide levels, or any number of devices designed to monitor your home’s security in your absence. If you don’t have one already, find a good provider and install a system today.
Delay package delivery
Though an open door may the biggest signal to intruders that nobody is home, a lingering package that sits on your door step for an extended period of time can be just as bad. Before you leave for your summer vacation, be sure to notify your local delivery service that you want all packages and mail held while you are away so you don’t tip off burglars that you aren’t home.
Summer vacations present a great opportunity for families to enjoy quality time with one another. A home invasion or other residential emergency shouldn’t get in the way of this relaxation time. Before you and your loved ones take off for your summer getaway, make sure you take steps to keep your home safe while you are away.
Related articles
- Home Security: How to Prevent Burglaries (everydayhealth.com)
- Going on vacation? Don’t let the burglars know! (brotengaragedoors.wordpress.com)
