5 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While You Travel

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Starting off on a much-needed vacation or business trip is an exciting prospect, but it can also come with some nagging worries – namely, how to keep your home safe and secure while you’re away. No one wants to return from a relaxing getaway to find their home has been broken into or suffered damage.

Luckily, there are several steps you can take to help protect your property and give you peace of mind during your travels. From simple home security measures to smart technology solutions, we’ll cover the key strategies you can implement to deter burglars and safeguard your belongings.

Tip 1: Make Your Home Look Occupied

One of the most effective deterrents for would-be burglars is creating the illusion that your home is still occupied, even when you’re away. Thieves are much less likely to target a property that appears to have people inside. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Use Timers for Lights and Appliances

Invest in some basic timers that can automatically turn on lights, TVs, radios, and other electronics at various times throughout the day and night. This will make it seem like someone is home and moving around the house. Place these timers in different rooms for a more natural, lived-in look.

Arrange for Mail and Package Pickup

Don’t let a growing pile of mail, packages, or newspapers be a telltale sign that you’re away. Make arrangements with the post office, a trusted neighbor, or a service like Package Guard to collect your deliveries while you’re gone. This prevents thieves from seeing that no one is home to retrieve them.

Also consider getting a virtual mailbox. It’s especially great for frequent travelers.

Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Check In

See if a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor can periodically stop by your home to pick up any packages, turn lights on and off, and generally keep an eye on things. Having someone physically present at your home, even for a short time, can deter potential intruders.

Use Smart Home Devices

Smart home technology offers a range of options for making your home appear occupied, even when you’re miles away. Install smart light bulbs, plugs, or switches that you can control remotely via a smartphone app.

Video doorbells are great for simulating being home, since you can actually answer people who ring them from your phone. You can also set up smart security cameras to monitor activity around your home.

Tip 2: Secure All Entry Points

Burglars are always looking for the easiest way to gain access to a home, so it’s crucial to ensure all potential entry points are securely locked and protected. Take the time to thoroughly inspect the exterior of your home and address any vulnerabilities.

Lock All Doors and Windows

Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave. This includes any side or back entrances, as well as second-story windows. Consider upgrading to smart locks that you can control and monitor from your phone.

Install a Security System

A professionally installed home security system, complete with sensors, motion detectors, and security cameras, can be a highly effective deterrent. Many systems also offer the ability to remotely arm, disarm, and monitor your home from anywhere.

Secure Sliding Doors and Windows

Sliding glass doors and windows are common entry points for burglars. Install additional locks or security bars to reinforce these vulnerable areas and make them more difficult to pry open.

A simple dowel stick dropped into the track on the inside of a closed sliding glass door will prevent anyone from opening it from the outside.

Don’t Hide Keys Outside

Avoid the temptation to hide a spare key outside your home, as this is one of the first places burglars will look. Instead, leave a key with a trusted neighbor or family member in case of emergencies.

Tip 3: Make Your Home Look Lived-In

In addition to creating the illusion of occupancy, you can also take steps to make your home appear actively lived-in, even when you’re away. This can further deter potential intruders.

Ask Someone to Maintain Your Lawn and Landscaping

An unkempt, overgrown yard is a clear sign that no one is home. Arrange for a friend, neighbor, or professional landscaping service to mow the lawn, trim hedges, and tend to your outdoor plants while you’re away.

Put a Hold on Newspaper and Mail Deliveries

As mentioned earlier, a growing pile of mail, newspapers, and packages is a telltale sign that your home is unoccupied. Contact your local post office and newspaper delivery service to put a temporary hold on these deliveries while you’re gone.

Leave a Car in the Driveway

If possible, leave a vehicle parked in your driveway or garage. This creates the impression that someone is home and using the car. You can also ask a friend or neighbor to occasionally move the car in and out of the driveway.

Use Smart Home Devices to Simulate Occupancy

In addition to the lighting and appliance timers mentioned earlier, you can use other smart home devices to make your home appear lived-in. For example, smart plugs can control the on/off cycle of radios, TVs, and other electronics, while smart cameras can capture footage of “activity” around your home.

Tip 4: Consider a Backup Power Source

When planning for a trip, many people focus on securing their home from intruders, but it’s equally important to consider the impact of power outages, especially if you’re going to be away for an extended period. A backup generator can provide the peace of mind you need, ensuring that your home remains protected and functional even when the power goes out.

Protecting Your Home from Power Outages

Power outages can occur for a variety of reasons, from severe weather events to equipment failures. When you’re not home to manage the situation, a power outage can lead to several problems. For instance, without electricity, your security system may stop working, leaving your home vulnerable. Additionally, if you have perishable food items in the refrigerator or freezer, an extended outage can result in spoilage and waste.

Having a backup generator can mitigate these risks. It allows you to keep essential systems running, such as your security alarms, outdoor lighting, and even your heating or cooling systems, depending on the size and capacity of the generator. This not only keeps your home secure but also helps maintain a livable environment for any pets or plants you may have.

Types of Backup Generators

When considering a backup generator, you have a few options to choose from. Portable generators are popular for their versatility and affordability. They can power essential appliances and devices during an outage but require manual setup and refueling.

On the other hand, a standby generator is installed permanently outside your home and automatically kicks in when it detects a power failure. This type of generator is more convenient and provides seamless power restoration without any manual effort on your part. Although standby generators tend to be more expensive upfront, they offer greater reliability and peace of mind when you’re away.

Maintenance and Preparation

Once you’ve decided to invest in a backup generator, it’s essential to maintain it properly to ensure it works when needed. Regular maintenance checks, including oil changes and battery replacements, will help keep your generator in top condition. Before leaving for a trip, test the generator to confirm that it starts up easily and operates correctly. This proactive step can prevent surprises should an outage occur while you’re away.

In addition to maintenance, ensure that you have enough fuel on hand for your generator. Depending on the type you choose, this may involve keeping extra propane tanks for portable models or ensuring your standby generator has a direct fuel line.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Finally, having a backup generator enhances your overall home security strategy while traveling. Knowing that your home will remain powered up and secure gives you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your travels without anxiety. Whether it’s keeping lights on to deter potential intruders or maintaining your alarm systems, a generator ensures that your home remains safeguarded even during unexpected outages.

In conclusion, incorporating a backup generator into your home security plan is an excellent way to protect your property while you’re away. It not only helps maintain essential functions in your home during outages but also alleviates concerns related to security and comfort. By investing in this vital piece of equipment, you can travel with confidence, knowing that your home is prepared for any situation.

Tip 5: Protect Your Valuables

While deterring burglars is the primary goal, it’s also important to take steps to safeguard your valuable possessions in case a break-in does occur. By making it more difficult for thieves to access and steal your belongings, you can minimize the potential damage and loss.

Store Valuables in a Safe or Lockbox

Keep your most valuable items, such as jewelry, cash, important documents, and small electronics, in a secure safe or lockbox. Bolt these down to the floor or wall to prevent them from being easily removed.

Engrave or Mark Your Belongings

Engrave or etch your name, driver’s license number, or other identifying information on your valuables. This makes them less appealing to thieves and easier for law enforcement to trace if they are stolen.

Photograph and Document Your Valuables

Take detailed photographs of your valuable items, along with a description of each one. This documentation can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or report a theft to the police.

Consider a Home Inventory App

Download a home inventory app, such as Sortly or Nest Egg, to create a comprehensive digital record of your possessions. These apps allow you to upload photos, descriptions, and even barcodes to keep track of your belongings.