Going on a long-planned vacation is exciting, but did you know that it also opens you up to the risk of home burglary? In this article, we are going to give you 10 tips on how to protect your home when you’re away and avoid the loss that can come with theft – not to mention the work of filing insurance claims for stolen belongings.
- Lock your doors and windows
This might seem like an obvious tip, but burglars will first check to see if they can enter your home through the doors and windows. Prior to leaving for your vacation, double check that all windows and doors are locked. Note that windows are especially easy to break through, so you want to make sure they are locked on all floors, not just on the ground floor.
- Invest in a home monitoring system
Burglars can still enter your home through the doors and windows, regardless of how securely they are locked. Home monitoring systems are built with door and window sensors, which will first trigger an alarm if opened and then alert the authorities.
Some systems also include environmental sensors which detect changes in moisture levels and can raise the alarm if your home is at risk of flooding.
- Check the batteries in your home security device
If you don’t regularly check the batteries in your home monitoring system and other security devices, doing so right before your vacation is a good time to start. Additionally, high-quality batteries last longer than the cheaper alternatives; by investing in them, you will save money in the long run while ensuring your home is safe.
- Empty your mailbox
If your mail has suddenly piled up, it’s a clear sign to a burglar that you are likely not home. A good solution is to ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail while you are away. Alternatively, you could submit a request to USPS for a mail hold or mail forwarding.
- Park in your driveway
You might think that by parking your car in your driveway, you are increasing your chances of car theft. The truth is, it usually means that someone is home, and the sight of your car sitting in front of your home can act as a deterrent to would-be thieves. If you’re going on a road trip, ask a neighbor if they would be willing to park their car in your driveway while you are away.
- Install outdoor security lights
Burglars typically avoid well-lit areas so they can go unnoticed by neighbors. We recommend installing outdoor security lights on the back door and sides of your house to keep it safe; if you are concerned about wasting energy, you don’t have to worry because many models are motion activated.
- Look into purchasing security cameras
In the event of a robbery, your security cameras will capture images of the burglar, making the police investigation and insurance claim process much easier. You can even find security cameras that will send alerts to your smartphone, allowing you to report the burglary immediately.
- Hide your valuables
All expensive devices, jewelry, cash, and other valuables should remain completely out of sight while you’re on vacation. Lock up smaller items and close your blinds to hide larger items such as TVs.
- Keep your lawn groomed
An overgrown lawn is a sure sign that you are not home. Hire a professional or ask a friend to keep up your lawn while you’re away so your home looks occupied.
- Ask a friend or neighbor to check in
Burst pipes and broken latches can cause a lot of problems for you to handle upon your return. By asking a trusted friend or neighbor to occasionally check your home, you can save yourself any hassle by addressing these issues early.
For more information on how we can help you protect your home, contact Superior Insurance & Auto Tags today!