Safeguarding Your Home while Away on Vacation: Top Strategies for Securing Your Property
Securing your home while you're off on a holiday is vital to enjoy a stress-free trip without worries of break-ins. Here's a guide to help you beef up your home's security so you can focus on unpacking and not on missing parcels or overgrown lawns.
Lock it down (Physical Security)
Emphasize on physical measures to shore up your home's security. Start with locks. Insurer-approved locks like the Yale PM562 High Security BS 5 Lever Mortice Dead Lock for wooden doors (available on Amazon) or key-operated multipoint locking systems should be your go-to. For windows, key-operated locks are a must for accessible ones.
A house alarm is a good addition. Police UK recommends placing two audible alarm boxes, visible and high up at the front and rear of your house.
Tech it up (Smart Home Security)
Alongside physical measures, engineering some high-tech home security will give you peace of mind while lounging on a beach somewhere. According to Carlos Dhunay, a security expert and owner of home security company Telcam, the best systems today are integrated. This implies a combination of smart cameras, door and window sensors, motion detectors, and smart locks, all remotely controlled through a single mobile app.
Smart lighting is also a handy tool for securing your home. It can create irregular schedules or trigger lights based on motion, imitating natural activity. Video doorbells and outdoor cameras with two-way audio meanwhile, allow you to communicate with visitors in real-time, regardless of your location in the world.
Carlos Dhunay is a fully qualified electrician and director of operations at Telcam. With over a quarter-century of experience, he aids clients in protecting their properties through a blend of physical and smart technologies.
Taking a Break (Preventing Signs of Absence)
Avoid signaling your absence. Burglars often look for a break in routine, and the signs are usually more subtle than homeowners realize. A pile of mail, an overgrown lawn, or a parcel left on the step can scream "no one's home." The solution? Pause regular deliveries, ask a trustworthy neighbor to collect your mail, or set lights on timers in various rooms to simulate natural movement.
Local Support
If you have trustworthy neighbors, ask them to keep an eye on your house while you're away. Joining your local Neighborhood Watch group is another way to participate in crime prevention activities and benefit from other participating households.
Social Media Shout-out
Social media can unknowingly advertise your holiday plans, making your home a target. Limit your posts and avoid sharing details about your travels until you return. It's essential to avoid both in-person conversations and mobile calls that divulge the details of your empty house to others.
Insurance Matters
Some home insurance policies may not cover theft or damages without evidence of forced entry or inadequate security measures. Insurers may require specific security measures, such as a security alarm and smart locks. Be aware of any coverage restrictions, and check with your insurer if you're going on a long vacation.
Fumbles to Avoid
Avoid a few common mistakes for even better home security while you're on vacation. * Leaving keys in visible locations or forgetting to use locks. * Neglecting shed and garage security. * Leaving valuables in plain sight of windows. * Failing to take basic precautions like using timed lights or having someone check in regularly could impact your home insurance coverage if a break-in occurs.
By integrating both physical and smart home security measures, you can significantly safeguard your home during your vacation. And don't forget - it's always nice to return the favor and keep an eye on your neighbors' homes when they're away too.
- To reinforce your home's physical security, consider using Insurer-approved locks like the Yale PM562 High Security BS 5 Lever Mortice Dead Lock for wooden doors, or key-operated multipoint locking systems for windows.
- For a more advanced level of protection, consider integrating smart security systems that combine smart cameras, door and window sensors, motion detectors, and smart locks, all controlled through a single mobile app.
- To camouflage your absence, pause regular deliveries, ask a trustworthy neighbor to collect your mail, or set lights on timers in various rooms to simulate natural movement.
- Engage your local Neighborhood Watch group for support or ask a trustworthy neighbor to periodically check on your home while you're away.
- Be cautious about sharing travel details on social media, as this could unintentionally alert potential burglars to your absence, potentially compromising your home insurance coverage.
