You’ve been planning this getaway for months, and you’ve got your chargers, toothbrushes, and spare underwear packed and ready to go. But did you remember to secure your home properly? It can be easy to overlook securing your home as you prepare for that much-needed vacation, but taking the following steps to safeguard your home can make you a less likely target for criminals and help give you the carefree holiday you’ve been dreaming of.
Disconnect Your Devices
Unplug your electronics, such as your toaster, coffee maker, television, and computer. Don’t forget to unplug your garage door as well so that criminals won’t be able to use a universal remote to open it.
Don’t Forget to Lock Up
Remember to secure your home and lock up your valuables. This may seem like common sense, but because it is such a simple step, it often gets overlooked in the rush to pack and prepare for a trip. Lock windows and doors, put small valuables in a safe deposit box or a home safe, and move that big TV and top-of-the-line computer away from windows and doors so that they are not obvious targets to possible thieves.
Keep Fido and Felix at Home
If you have pets, try to find someone who can stop by your home to feed them, walk them, or let them out each day. This can help keep pets in an environment that they are comfortable with while also providing extra security to your home. Thieves are unlikely to target a home that looks occupied with animals coming and going or with that big dog running around the yard.
Watch What You Post
While social media can be nice for keeping in touch with friends and family, posting about your upcoming vacation can also be an easy way for burglars to know when your home will be left empty and unattended. Don’t post details about an upcoming vacation, and try to refrain from posting holiday pictures until you return, even if your accounts are private.
Neighborhood Watch
Enlist the help of your neighbors to keep your home safe. Ask a trustworthy neighbor to retrieve your mail and newspapers each day, mow your lawn as needed, and keep an eye on your property to make sure everything looks safe and secure. Offering some treats or even a small payment in return for their work is a nice gesture as well.
Dealing with a burglary is likely the last thing you want to deal with upon return from your vacation, so taking precautionary steps beforehand can help ensure that your return to real life is as painless as returning from a holiday can be.
