29 Mar Security News: How to Secure Your Home for Spring Break Travel
Reprinted from American Alarm
Spring break is a fantastic opportunity to relax and decompress after a busy winter, but it might be tough to unwind if you’re worried about the safety of your home. Research shows that burglars are three times less likely to break into a house with a security system in place. If you don’t already have a home surveillance system, install one before you leave.
Beyond surveillance, making your home appear lived-in is the best way to deter burglars when you’re out of town. Here are some simple home security travel tips for securing your home during spring break.
Ask a neighbor to collect your mail
According to data from the FBI, burglaries are most likely to occur during the day. Having your mail pile up in the mailbox or on your doorstep is a dead giveaway to burglars that you’re out of town.
Avoid this by asking a friend or neighbor to collect your mail while you’re away. Their presence on your property will create signs of life, offering an additional deterrent for burglars. If neighbors aren’t an option, you can request that the post office hold your mail if you’re planning to be out of town for between three and 30 days.
Secure windows and doors
Unlocked points of entry also make it easy for thieves to access your home. Overlooking an open window could also mean arriving home to water damage or a critter infestation. Before leaving, do a sweep of your house to ensure all of your windows and doors are closed and locked.
Close your blinds
Keeping your blinds closed conceals your valuables from view and makes it harder for criminals to gauge whether anyone is home. A break-in attempt is much less likely if the burglar can’t envision a clear path in and out of your home.
Install a motion-activated light
If you don’t have one already, consider installing a motion-activated light on the exterior of your home. These lights are fantastic deterrents for burglars or vandals as they remove the protection of darkness, making it impossible for criminals to go undetected. You might consider placing a light on a timer inside your house, as it gives the impression that someone is home.
Adjust your thermostat
Programming your thermostat so it’s closer to the temperatures outdoors will help lower your energy costs while you’re away. Reducing the draw on your HVAC system also lessens the possibility of the system malfunctioning and causing problems within your home.
Leaving your home for an extended trip can be nerve-wracking, but following these home security travel steps will help make your house appear occupied and ensure it’s safe while you’re gone. If you feel concerned at any time, check in via your video surveillance system to make sure everything is as you left it.