4 Great Ways to Secure Your Home While Taking That Summer Vacation
For many families, summer is a time to look forward to that long-awaited vacation. To would-be thieves, that means summer is a time to look forward to empty houses while families are away. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the highest percentage of burglaries occur during the summer months when people are vacationing. But you can safeguard your home and make it less attractive to potential thieves by following these 4 easy guidelines.
1) Turn your smartphone into a home security system. New apps and technologies make it easier than ever to monitor your home while you’re away. See suggestions for turning your smartphone into a home security system here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15569693/list/Turn-Your-Smart-Phone-Into-a-Home-Security-System
2) Use motion sensor lighting. Well-lit entry points to your home is one of the most effective ways to discourage burglars. And today’s solar-powered units make it more cost-effective and easier than ever to protect your home. Many of the latest lighting systems need no tools to secure the unit — simply peel, place, and forget it.
3) Don’t advertise your vacation plans. Posting your travel plans on social media or posting live updates while you’re away lets burglars know your home is unoccupied. Wait until you return home to post those stories and pictures! Additionally, have a neighbor collect mail, packages, and/or newspapers or put a hold on these items coming to the house while you’re away.
4) Do a routine check before leaving. It may seem like common sense, but physically checking to see that every door and window is closed and locked before you leave will substantially reduce the incidence of theft. It’s estimated that 33.9 percent of unlawful entries occur when thieves entered a home through a door or window that was left unlocked.
For more great ideas, see these Tips for Better Securing Your Home: http://www.amig.com/filedeskfiles/Home-Security-Tip-Sheet.pdf