Summer months are carefree and as the temperatures rise, people become a lot more laidback. Unfortunately, these happy-go-lucky attitudes have a bit of a negative effect, as July and August are the most common months for break-ins. As a result, it’s important to know how you can protect your home while you’re on vacation.
Homes are left for weeks at a time, and most people fail to use basic tactics to prevent these summer burglaries. Keep your belongings safe and protect your home while you’re on vacation with these easy tricks.
Hire a house-sitter
While a bit on the pricey side, the most secure way to make sure that burglars don’t target your home is to have someone staying there. A house-sitter keeps your home running, from watering plants and getting the mail to feeding pets, which prevents burglars from thinking that there’s no one home. Not an option? Ask some friends or family to stop by for help with these tasks, instead.
Plug in an electrical timer
A dark house is a clear sign that no one’s home, but it’s expensive to leave lights on for the entire time you’re away. A good alternative is an electrical timer, which you can plug into the wall and set to turn your lights on and off at random times.
Stop the mail
Having piles of mail sticking out of your mailbox is a surefire sign no one is home. If you don’t have someone coming by to check on your house every now and again, then you can ask the post office to stop your mail for specific dates. If you’re ordering packages, request to pick them up instead of having them dropped off at your house.
Remove spare keys
You won’t be home, so that spare key isn’t necessary! Hide your key somewhere in your house instead of leaving it out where strangers could find it when you’re gone. If you have someone coming by, give them their own copy of your house key to lessen the chance for someone else finding it.
Put your valuables in a safe
If you haven’t already, put your valuables in a wall safe before you leave. If burglars do end up coming in, they won’t be able to get to your valuable possessions.
Privatize your social media
It’s tempting to post every detail of your vacation on social media, but it’s better to wait until you get home to post that sunset picture. Check-ins, posts, and geotags all alert burglars that you aren’t at home. If you do feel the need to post, make sure that your account is on private so that only your selected friends can see that you’re away.
Keep your blinds open
One of the most common mistakes that people make is closing their blinds when they leave for vacation. A closed up house is a tip to burglars, especially if you normally keep your blinds open. By leaving the blinds up, it seems like you’re home and going about your day like normal. Just be sure to hide your valuables from view.
Another great way to protect your home while you’re on vacation? Installing a verified security system from Sonitrol. Enjoy your vacation knowing that your home is safe in Sonitrol’s hands.