House Security Tips for Peace of Mind
Summer vacations can be an excellent opportunity for relaxation, but they also present unique security risks. When everyone leaves on their trips, homes may sit empty for days or even weeks at a time, inviting burglars to break-in and take advantage.
However, you can take several simple steps to keep this from happening to you. Here are some summer house security tips that should give you peace of mind while away:
1. Turn Off the Water
As summer vacations and family gatherings commence, it is vitally important that your home remains secure. Given that many houses will likely remain vacant for several days or weeks at a time during June-August, burglaries tend to increase significantly; thankfully there are steps you can take to thwart crime before it occurs.
If you’re leaving town for any length of time, turning off your water is an easy and effective way to ensure the safety of your property from leaks and floods. Even if leaks have been repaired temporarily, switching off will ensure no one can turn them back on while you’re gone.
Remember to switch off the electricity before leaving home; otherwise, you could come home to a flooded home, with costly damage and destroyed belongings. Even if you’re just leaving for one or two days, turning off the electricity can help ensure a safer home environment and help avoid potentially expensive power bills from mounting while away.
As soon as possible while you are gone, arrange for someone – either friends or neighbors – to stop by your house to mow the lawn or grab groceries for you; even just having someone aware you will be out can give your home the impression of an occupied environment and could deter criminals from entering it.
If you are going on an extended trip, investing in a smart home security system may provide peace of mind while away. By having remote locking and unlocking capabilities as well as temporary access codes to allow guests or house sitters in, as well as thermostat settings control from anywhere will give you comfort while away.
2. Lock All Doors and Windows
No matter the reason for leaving home, forgetting to lock the door can be easy and can put your home and its contents at risk of burglary – leaving you vulnerable and feeling unsafe.
Unfortunately, summer crime rates tend to increase for various reasons. While experts attribute some of it to stress-related criminality, others attribute it to criminals taking advantage of more frequent public outings during warmer months when people tend to spend time outside more frequently. Whatever the reason may be, it is crucial that homeowners take extra steps this summer to keep their home secure.
Make it a habit to check all windows and doors are securely locked before leaving home – especially those on the second and third floors – as burglars frequently gain entry through unlocked windows. For sliding glass doors with gaps between their panes, adding a wooden dowel rod between each pane as an additional deterrent against break-ins can help.
Keep your valuables out of view through your windows by hiding jewelry, expensive gadgets and other items from view with curtains that block out light – this may deter burglars from breaking in as they may not see anything worth taking from your home.
Burglar-proof your property this summer to reduce the risk of burglary. Hide ladders and tools from view and install padlocks on chain link fence gates to thwart criminals from gaining entry. Trim back bushes and shrubs around your house for better visibility; add motion-sensing lights for further deterrence as well as alert you if anyone comes near.
Finally, invest in a quality home security system that allows you to monitor it remotely from anywhere and send instantaneous alerts if any alarms are activated. A smart system also enables temporary access codes for house sitters or maintenance workers as well as changing thermostat settings from anywhere worldwide. Establish a routine in which you double-check every time you leave the house.
3. Get a Security System
Summer vacations offer a wonderful chance to unwind and recharge, yet they also present unique security challenges. When homes remain vacant for multiple days or even weeks, criminals may take the opportunity to break in and exploit any weaknesses. A comprehensive home security system is an invaluable investment both homeowners and renters should make; modern systems offer alarms, cameras and smart features so that they can monitor your property right from their smartphones.
Installing indoor and outdoor security cameras helps deter burglars by giving the impression that someone is home. Slomin’s doorbell camera and wide-angle security cameras show live activity on your property in high definition, making it easy to tell whether your pets are playing or someone lurking nearby. Smart locks and thermostats further increase home security and efficiency while you’re away; remote locking/unlocking allows house sitters or maintenance workers short-term access while remotely controlled energy efficiency settings like cooler temperatures can be managed using apps on smart phones from any location.
Keep valuables out of sight to deter burglars and protect them as best as possible from theft. If you are leaving for an extended period of time, lock up jewelry or expensive items in a safe or closet as much as possible; curtains/blinds should also be closed as much as possible to stop potential intruders from gazing into windows and peering in through them.
Burglars often break into sheds and other outdoor storage areas to steal tools, lawnmowers, grills and other equipment. To safeguard these items from theft, install outdoor contacts that alert your security system whenever a shed door, window or gate is opened – these smart devices can easily be set up with most home security systems allowing you to enjoy a stress-free summer vacation! With these simple tips in place, your family can rest easy knowing their home’s safety will remain secure during its summer vacations.
4. Ask Your Neighbors to Keep an Eye on Your Property
Summer brings many pleasant events and activities, yet can also present unique challenges for homeowners. Vacation plans and other busy schedules often leave homes unattended for extended periods, increasing the risk of burglaries and property crimes while longer daylight hours allow criminals to operate and scout targets during daylight hours. Luckily there are ways you can reduce this risk and provide peace of mind during your absence.
One effective way to deter criminals from breaking in is making your house appear occupied. One method would be asking a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your property. While you should never publicly announce that your home will be vacant for some time period, having someone regularly check and maintain any yard work may help deter crime.
Additionally, you can safeguard your backyard with burglar-proof measures by installing padlocks on gates and storing ladders out of sight. Furthermore, installing security cameras that trigger by window or door sensors will let you know if a neighbor is invading your privacy or alert authorities if something suspicious arises.
Preparing your home for being vacant involves stopping mail and newspaper deliveries or having them collected by a neighbor, so there won’t be stacks of newspapers and mail on your porch that give thieves clues when you will be away. Also consider storing all easily moved or stolen items like patio furniture and grills away as well as outdoor tools in a shed or garage for safe keeping.
If your neighbors are nosy, the best thing you can do is approach them politely and request they respect your property boundaries and privacy. Use smart-home gadgets, landscaping features and security cameras as deterrents so they do not enter your yard; if they continue invading it then contact the police and report their trespassing.