10 Tips To Keep Your Home Safe While You're On Vacation

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Everybody looks forward to going on vacation as it allows you to take a break from your routine life and spend some quality time with friends or family. However, we all have faced the fear of someone breaking in to our home while we are away. Taking care of your belongings while you travel is as important as protecting your home when you are on vacation. In this article we have compiled some important home security tips so that you can enjoy your vacation without any worries. 

1. Get a home monitoring system

It might seem an unwanted expenditure to some, but installing you a good home monitoring system can be quite beneficial. There are many professional home monitoring systems including cameras, door and window sensors to help you in keeping your home secure. Advanced home security systems consist of panic alarms for improved reliability and quick response to intruding.

2. Lock your windows and door

This might sound too obvious to even mention but the most common culprit in burglaries is negligence. People do take a note of locking the doors while they travel; but windows are often over-looked and provide an easy access point to your home. So before you leave to airport, don’t forget to secure your windows.

3. Check batteries in home security devices

​Another often overlooked point is lack of battery backup for your security devices in case of a power outage. Periodic testing of your security system ensures that things work when they are supposed to!
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4. Switch off non-essential devices

​It makes a little sense to keep your WIFI-modem or DTH powered on while you are out of home. Switching off unnecessary electronics not only helps you save electricity; it also protects them against accidental electrical surges.

5. Keep your lawn tidy

When you are away, your lawn or garden will definitely need regular maintenance. So, make sure that the professionals responsible for the upkeep of your yard do their job. If you don’t have taken a professional service, you can always ask your neighbors or hire a temporary worker to mow or till your garden.

6. Don’t brag about your vacation of social media

Nearly forty percent of travelers have admitted to posting vacation pictures on social media advertising that their house will be empty. This makes your house a prime target for intruders. It is best to keep a low profile and normal activity on your social media accounts till you return from the trip. Another common mistake is to reveal your plans on voicemails and answering machines.

7. Leave the key with a friend or neighbour

​As you are out of town, it makes sense to leave the key with someone you can trust.  They can be requested to periodically check your home and do some basic chores like switching the lights on at night and switching them off in the morning, or clearing the mails etc till you are back.
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8. Lock up your valuables

​It is a safe practice to secure your ornaments, electronic device and other valuable portable items in a vault. These small items are easy to grab and are preferable targets for the thieves. Also, take special care in keeping your identity cards, social security numbers, etc. safe.

9. Hold your newspaper and mail

​Unattended newspapers and mails on your doorway might reveal that no one’s home. Clear your mail box before you leave and suspend regular deliveries like newspapers and magazine.

10. Check drains

​An unexpected storm might choke the drains or gutters and give away the absence of human activity in your home. Switch off the valve for main water supply of your house to prevent and leaks or water damage to the tubes.
 
With these simple tips in mind, you can enjoy your next vacation with complete peace of mind.