Home Security For the Holidays

With the Holidays right around the corner, many families are planning to hit the road to see family. With all that goes into planning for a vacation, home security likely doesn’t land high as a priority. Thankfully though, there are a few easy steps to take to secure your home before leaving town.

Make Your Home Security Smart

This day in age, it is easy to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. It may sound difficult, but installing a camera is as easy as plugging it in. There are a number of different products available that simply plug into the wall, and allow you to view your home from a mobile app. Additionally, you can add smart lighting. This allows timing lights to turn on and off based on a set schedule.

Keep up appearances

Despite what many think, drawing all of the blinds and leaving all the lights on does not keep intruders away. Often times, this behavior actually attracts attention. Instead, you want your home to appear as normal as possible, even if that means leaving open the blinds. Along with the cameras and lighting mentioned above, advertising your home surveillance can also act as a deterrent.

Remove all Hidden Keys

Do not think that you can outsmart the criminal by hiding the spare key. As clever as you think you are, a desperate criminal may go to extensive effort to find the key that they know most homeowners have hidden. It only takes a minute to leave a key with a trusted neighbor. This is also a good opportunity to let them know that you will be gone. That way they can keep an eye on your home (and maybe even check your mail!).

Other General Precautions

Some other safety precautions don’t involve deterring criminals. You will want to make sure that your smoke detectors work for one. Additionally, if your home is monitored you may want to alert them that you will be out of town. Otherwise, cleaning out the refrigerator and mowing the lawn are some general steps to take before leaving home.By taking these few steps, you can rest assured that your home will be as safe and sound as when you left it. As stressful as traveling is you do not want to add to the distractions while you are spending precious time with family and loved ones.