Summer Travel Security Tips
While the summer season is approaching, vacations are being planned and burglars are patiently waiting for homeowners to make the simple mistakes that give them the opportunity to burglarize your home. Over 2 million homes are broken into each year in the U.S. Most of those intrusions happen during the summer months. Don’t be a victim. Here are a few simple, yet often overlooked tips you can take to keep your family and home safe and secure while you’re away this summer.
- Lock windows & doors before you leave.
As simple as this sounds, sometimes people forget to double check that every door and window in their home is locked and secure before they head out on their trip. About 30% of all home break-ins in the U.S. are through an open door or window.
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Don’t forget to set the alarm.
As with forgetting to ensure all doors and windows are locked and secure, setting the security alarm can be just as easily overlooked. This is especially true when you’re in a rush of excitement to get out the door and on the road to start your vacation.
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Ask your neighbor to park in your driveway while you’re away.
If you typically park your car in your driveway when you’re home, ask your neighbor if he/she would mind parking their car in your driveway while you’re away. This will give the appearance that someone is home and will help deter any thieves.
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Turn off your mail service or have a neighbor pick up your mail.
One easy way to tell if someone isn’t home is to just notice the pile of newspapers on the front lawn or the overflow of mail pouring from the mailbox. Turning off your mail service or having a trusted neighbor pick up your mail if you’re going to be gone awhile is a great way to deter thieves.
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Find a house sitter.
Another option you have when you’re planning a trip away from home is to have one of your friends or relatives stay at your place while you’re away. Doing so will allow you to enjoy your vacation rest assured that someone you know and trust is staying in your home and that it’s not left unattended. If you decide to do this, it’s also a good idea to let your neighbor know that you will have a house sitter. That way there is no confusion or reason for alarm when your neighbor sees a stranger in your house.
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Leave a few lights on.
If getting a house sitter isn’t an option for you, then consider leaving on a few lights throughout the house so that it looks like someone is home.
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Don’t post your vacation on social media.You might be “friends” with several people through social media, but how well do you really know them? This is a question to keep in mind while you are on vacation and thinking about posting status updates to all of your “friends.”
As tempting as it may be to post pictures and updates of your vacation as it’s happening, waiting until after you return is the best time to post it to your social media. If not, you risk letting would-be thieves know in real time where you are and when you’re coming back. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to break into your home while you’re away.
Just follow these 7 easy tips while you’re on your summer vacation and you’ll enjoy your trip knowing that you took all the proper measures to ensure your home stays safe and secure while you’re away.
