Thinking of taking a vacation? There are a number of steps that you can take to keep your home safe whilst you’re away. It is important that you take the necessary steps to protect your property. Sufficient planning and installation of security systems, will enable you to prevent and reduce the risk of intruders. Below are some tips which will prove useful in protecting your home.
• Make your home looked lived in
It is very important that you make your home look like its being lived in. Everyday your lights go on and off and cars will come and go from your property. You may find it a good idea to invest in timers that turn on your interior lights on for a couple of hours each evening. Anything you can do to make your home look like it’s lived in on a daily basis is a good idea. You may also choose to fit an external security light.
• Lock up
This may sound like an obvious tip, but locking windows and doors can be an easy thing to forget, especially if you’re in a rush to leave. Ensure you take the time to ensure you have secured your properly. For your own peace of mind, why don’t you ask someone else to double check your home is locked? This will help to reduce the risk of burglars breaking in to your home. Don’t make it easy for intruders to enter. If you want to come home to your house in the same condition you left it in, take note of some of these tips.
• Install added security features
Installing a home security system or exterior lights that are running on timers, are the ideal way to boost the security around your home. Such features are highly beneficial as they work whether you are home or not. They will make your home seem less attractive to burglars. You could even ask one of your neighbours to put your rubbish bin out, as this is a sign of you being home.
• Gardens
You will find it worthwhile taking the time to keep your garden tidy which can be a way of deterring intruders. You should also make sure you lock your garden gate. An unkempt garden will leave intruders with the impression that you haven’t occupied the home for a while.
• Windows and doors
Windows are often an entry/ exit for intruders. If you fail to lock all your windows and doors, you are providing burglars with the perfect opportunity to enter and they are most likely to target your home. Doors are the primary route of access. The back door is the most vulnerable part of the home. It is a good idea to fit a deadbolt on your front door when you are out of the house to prevent intruders entering your home.
• Days prior to departing
It is often a good idea to stop any mail or newspapers being delivered whilst your away. If a burglar was to see a pile of mail mounting up, they are likely to click on that you’re away. It is also important that you don’t broadcast your plans on social media such as Facebook, as this will inform people about when it is you’re going away and how long for. This is just asking for trouble!
• The day you depart
Make sure you set your interior light timers to go off at times when they would usually. It is also a good idea to turn down the telephone ringer volume. Set your security alarms to go off when activated.
As you can see there several ways in which you can keep your home safe. Think like a burglar! See if there are any areas of your home that you could break into without making a disturbance. You need to cover these weak spots. Remember to secure your home before leaving. For peace of mind you could ask a neighbour to call the police if they notice any unusual activity whilst you are away.
Remember a secure home is a safe home!
Nick Cooper
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