People have been traveling for centuries, whether it’s to explore new lands or experience different cultures. There are many reasons why people choose to travel, but one thing is for sure: it can be a rewarding experience. These days, people spend a lot of resources and time traveling to balance a busy and stressful life.
However, there are some risks associated with traveling. One of the most important things you can do to minimize these risks is to take steps to protect your home while you’re away. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Install a Security System
One of the best ways to protect your home while away is to install a security system. That will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is being monitored even when you’re not there. There are many different systems available, so be sure to do your research to find one that’s right for you.
You can remotely monitor and control a smart home security system with an app connected to your smartphone. You can also choose one connected to a service that monitors it around the clock and will notify you and the police when an alarm is triggered.
Security cameras and motion detectors mounted inside and outside your home can monitor and detect unusual movement and intrusion and then trigger the alarms. The data is stored in the cloud and can be reviewed later as part of an investigation.
More advanced smart home security systems are not cheap. You must, however, compare the cost to the value of your belongings and make a decision based on that.
Lock Up Your Home
Keep all doors and windows locked when you’re not at home. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you have a home security system, ensure all doors and windows are properly armed.
You should also consider investing in window and door locks that can’t be easily picked. This is especially important if you live in an urban area where crime is more common. If you have glass windows or doors, install decorative security grills to protect them from being broken.
While the front door is the most common entry point for burglars, they use the garage door nine percent of the time. Ensure that you immediately get reliable garage door repair when you need it. Also, ensure that your garage door has a secure lock that can’t be picked. For double security, you must lock the door leading from the garage into your house, too.
Do not forget to secure any skylights, attic windows, basement windows, and bathroom windows. Burglars know that a lot of homeowners neglect these. If you think they are too small to get through, remember that criminal crews often include members with small physiques precisely for these purposes.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
Do not make it obvious that your home is unoccupied. Invest in a smart home system that uses timers to turn lights, TVs, or radios on and off automatically. You can even connect this to your drapes to draw them close at dusk and open them in the morning.
Stop the mail and newspaper delivery while you’re gone, so they do not pile up outside. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway from time to time to look like you have a visitor.
Do Not Announce Your Absence
Do not post about your trip before and while you are away, no matter how excited you are. When you post on social media about anything else, ensure that it does not indicate your location or have any geotags. This is like telling criminals you are gone and inviting them into your home. Sharing those lovely pictures can wait until you are safely back.
Apart from social media, be aware that other people can eavesdrop in real life. Do not talk freely about your trip when you are outside in a coffee shop or at the supermarket. Limit this information to family and friends you can trust.
Prevent Fire and Water Damage
Apart from criminals, your home is also vulnerable to fire and water damage when you are away. Ensure that all electrical appliances are turned off and unplugged. Do not leave the oven, stove top, or space heaters on. Fires can start from frayed cables. Never run appliance wires beneath carpets or furniture; instead, replace any that are worn, outdated, or broken right away.
Ensure that there is no water running in your home. Turn off the main water supply if you will be gone for a long time. If possible, ask a friend or family member to check on your home periodically to ensure everything is in order.
A lot can happen when you’re away from home. By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is safe while you’re gone.
