Protecting your home while you are on vacation should be as important as remembering to pack clothing and essentials. Although a break-in may seem unlikely, we all know someone who has been a victim, making it a good idea to be prepared. Fortunately, there are several easy and cost-effective ways you can keep your home safe.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
One of the best ways to protect your home is to have the people who pass by most frequently keep an eye out for anything unusual. Consider whether there are potential signs that will alert people to your absence, for example, several untouched newspapers lying in your driveway. A friendly neighbor will most likely not mind picking them up for you, although you can also stop service temporarily.
Hire Help
If you will be gone for more than a couple of days, it is a good idea to hire someone to shovel snow from your driveway or mow the lawn. You can also ask them to take trash cans out to the curb and bring them back in on trash day. Or hire a house sitter who can be there for the duration of your trip. If you don’t know anyone that would be willing to shovel your driveway you can even hire someone on a platform like Task Rabbit to come take care of it.
Get a Smart Security System
The best way to keep your home safe and protected while you are away for any amount of time is to get a smart security system i.e. home cctv installation arranged. Companies like AMP Smart provide multiple features that can be controlled remotely from a cell phone, like turning lights on/off, or locking/unlocking doors. In addition, remote monitoring is also available:
- Door/Window Sensor lets you know if anything is opened or tampered with.
- Motion Image Sensor captures photos of intruders.
- Indoor/Outdoor Smart Camera records and shows you live footage.
- Video doorbell lets you know when someone is near the front door and shows you who is there.
- Flood, fire, and carbon monoxide sensors detect problems and alert you.
Don’t Share on Social Media
Whether you know all your contacts and followers or not, it is unwise to post on social media about current or planned time away. Private accounts are less risky, but not fool-proof. The best plan is to wait until you are back home to share your vacation pictures. If you really want to though there are some ways that you can make sure your account is private in this article.
Outside Lighting
Areas that are well lit are less likely to be targeted because an intruder is more likely to be caught in the act. If you have someone checking on your house, ask them to turn the outside lights on each evening. Or use your smart security system to put them on a timer or turn them on remotely.
AMP Smart
Learn more about how to keep your home safe with AMP security and make sure to add the above items to your pre-vacation to-do list!