Going away on vacation is supposed to be a time to rest, relax and get away from the stress of your daily routine. However, during your vacation, it is possible that you have left your home vulnerable to criminals. Many burglars will take advantage of families that have left their homes deserted during vacations. In addition to this, there is also the slight chance that a fire, flood or other disaster will affect your home in your absence. Worrying about the state of your home can interfere with the relaxation of a vacation. That being said, is it possible to have a feeling of security about your home remaining safe while you are away? Luckily, there are many things that you can do to help secure your home while you are on vacation.
Vacation Home Security Tip #1 – Unplug Your Appliances
Though this may seem like a relatively minor precautionary measure, it is very important to make sure that all electrical appliances in your home are disconnected from the electrical sockets. Even if you have a surge protector, it’s still possible that a faulty appliance could possibly start a fire in your home. Before you leave, walk through the rooms of your house to ensure that all electrical appliances are unplugged.
Vacation Home Security Tip #2 – Arm Your Security System
If you have a home security system installed, you have already taken a very important step towards keeping your home safe in your absence. However, don’t forget to arm the system! Failing to arm a home security system is a more common mistake than you might think. To help you remember, write a reminder post-it note and stick it to the door which you will use to exit the house.
Vacation Home Security Tip #3 – Install Home Surveillance
If your budget allows, installing a video surveillance system inside your home can provide you with constant monitoring of the state of your home. However, if you have a tight budget, it is still possible to monitor your home if you have a bit of technical know-how. Using a conventional USB webcam, you can connect it to your home PC as a security camera, as long as your PC is constantly connected to the internet. By using an application such as pcAnywhere, you can connect to your home PC while on vacation by using a laptop. This is a great and easy way to monitor your home if you don’t have the extra money for a professional video surveillance system.
Vacation Home Security Tip #4 – Secure Your Home
Before you leave, there are many “common sense” procedures you need to follow in order to make sure that your home is secure. This includes:
- Lock all doors, windows and other entry points.
- Turn off the ringer on your telephone.
- Activate any security or motion sensing light systems.
- Mow your lawn, trim your hedges or schedule for your driveway to be plowed in your absence.
- Leave your spare house keys with a trusted friend or family member.
These are just a few of the items that you should have on your “Vacation Safety Checklist”. As long as you are thorough in following all of these guidelines, you can rest assured that your home will be safe and secure during your vacation.
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