Summer break is right around the corner, and many people are looking forward to taking vacations after a year of relative isolation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the excitement about upcoming summer trips might be overshadowed by worry about home security while they are away. People shouldn’t be concerned, however, if they have functional home security systems, and take a few other precautions to keep their homes safe. Here are five tips to use for summer vacation home security.
- Lock Up!
In the excitement of leaving for a summer vacation, people often overlook locking their windows and doors. Burglars have been known to gain access to a home through a window or door that was inadvertently left open by families in a hurry to enjoy some time away from home. To prevent this, make sure your windows and doors shut and lock properly a week or two before your trip, and make repairs as needed. Then make sure you’ve secured every entry point on the day you leave. One more thing: don’t forget to secure your garage windows and doors!
- Stash Your Valuables!
Removing your valuables and expensive possessions from plain sight before you go on vacation is another important home security step to take. Stash computers, phones, jewelry, and other important items in closets or drawers so they can’t be seen by anyone who might look through your windows. You also should conceal any valuables that you keep in your car, including your garage door opener.
- Mail Moratorium
Before going on summer vacation, you should contact the postal service to request a hold on your mail delivery for the time you will be away. A full mailbox suggests to passersby that your home is unoccupied and might encourage potential burglars to target your house. Another reason temporarily pausing your mail delivery is a good idea is that it will deter mail theft. Putting your mail on hold will help protect your home and assets, as well as personal information that is often enclosed in correspondence.
- Keep Spare Keys Safe
Leaving a spare key outside one’s house is more unsafe than many people realize. This is because burglars know where to look; they often easily find hidden keys, even though people think they have hidden them well. Giving a spare key to a friend or family member in the area is a much safer thing to do.
- Tidy Your Yard
It is important to mow your lawn and trim shrubs and trees in your yard before taking a vacation. A well-maintained yard deters burglars because they will think someone is at home. It also helps because burglars are less likely to target a house where they cannot easily conceal themselves behind landscaping elements while attempting a break-in. Consider scheduling lawn maintenance while you are away, especially if you will be gone for a long time.
WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a professional team of real estate experts who can assist you with buying or selling a home in the Gulf Coast area. They are committed to offering quality service and guidance to every client. If you need reliable real estate advice, contact a WEICHERT, REALTORS® – The Place of Houses online or by phone at 361-882-5588.
