How to Secure Your Home for Vacation

 

Planning a vacation is exciting, but it’s crucial to ensure your home stays secure while you’re away. At Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary, we understand the importance of safeguarding your home. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to secure your home for vacation.

Assess Your Home’s Security

Before leaving, conduct a thorough assessment of your home’s security. Look for potential vulnerabilities and address them immediately.

Check All Entry Points

Inspect all doors and windows. Ensure they are closed and locked. Pay special attention to sliding doors, as they are often more susceptible to break-ins. Install a rod or a piece of wood in the track to prevent them from being forced open.

Upgrade Your Locks

Old or weak locks are easy targets for burglars. Consider upgrading to high-security locks. Deadbolts, smart locks, and other advanced locking systems offer better protection. For professional installation, contact Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary.

Enhance Your Home’s Visibility

A well-lit home is less appealing to intruders. Lighting can deter criminals and make your home appear occupied.

Outdoor Lighting

Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home. These lights turn on when they detect movement, startling potential intruders. Place them near all entry points, including front and back doors, windows, and garage doors.

Indoor Lighting

Use timers for indoor lights to create the illusion that someone is home. Set them to turn on and off at different times in various rooms. This tactic can make your home appear occupied even when you’re miles away.

Secure Your Valuables

Keep your valuables out of sight and in a secure location.

Use a Safe

Store important documents, jewelry, and other valuable items in a safe. Choose a fireproof and waterproof safe for added protection. Ensure the safe is securely bolted to the floor or wall.

Hide Valuables

Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight. Burglars often peek through windows to identify potential targets. Hide electronics, cash, and other valuables to reduce the temptation.

Install a Security System

A comprehensive security system can provide peace of mind while you’re away.

Alarm Systems

Invest in a quality alarm system. Modern systems offer various features, including door and window sensors, motion detectors, and loud alarms. Ensure the system is monitored 24/7 by a professional security company.

Surveillance Cameras

Install surveillance cameras around your property. Place them in visible locations to deter intruders. Opt for cameras with remote access so you can monitor your home from anywhere. For installation assistance, contact Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary.

Maintain Your Property

A well-maintained property can deter burglars by giving the impression that someone is home.

Lawn Care

Arrange for someone to mow your lawn and trim hedges while you’re away. An overgrown yard signals that no one is home.

Mail and Packages

Ask a neighbor or friend to collect your mail and packages. Alternatively, place a hold on your mail delivery with the postal service. Accumulating mail is a clear sign of an unoccupied home.

Secure Your Garage

Garages are common entry points for burglars. Secure your garage to prevent unauthorized access.

Lock All Doors

Ensure all garage doors, including interior doors leading to the house, are locked. Use a deadbolt for added security.

Disconnect the Garage Door Opener

If you’re leaving for an extended period, consider disconnecting the automatic garage door opener. This prevents criminals from using universal remote controls to gain access.

Notify Trusted Neighbors

Inform trusted neighbors about your vacation plans. They can keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious activity.

Provide Contact Information

Give your contact information to a neighbor. Ensure they can reach you in case of an emergency.

Neighborhood Watch

If your neighborhood has a watch program, notify them of your absence. They can increase patrols around your home, adding an extra layer of security.

Avoid Social Media Announcements

Resist the temptation to announce your vacation plans on social media. Sharing this information publicly can alert potential burglars to your absence.

Post After You Return

Wait until you return from your trip to share photos and stories. This prevents anyone from knowing your home is unoccupied.

Adjust Privacy Settings

Review your social media privacy settings. Ensure only trusted friends and family can see your posts and updates.

Install Smart Home Devices

Smart home devices can enhance security and allow you to monitor your home remotely.

Smart Locks

Install smart locks that can be controlled via your smartphone. You can lock and unlock doors remotely, and some models offer temporary access codes for guests.

Smart Doorbells

Smart doorbells with built-in cameras allow you to see and speak with visitors remotely. This feature can deter burglars who often ring the doorbell to check if someone is home.

Use Curtains and Blinds

Curtains and blinds can prevent burglars from peering into your home.

Close Curtains

Close curtains and blinds in rooms with valuables. This makes it harder for intruders to see inside and identify targets.

Use Sheer Curtains

Sheer curtains allow light to enter while obstructing the view from outside. This can make your home appear occupied without compromising privacy.

Create the Illusion of Occupancy

Making your home appear occupied is one of the best ways to deter burglars.

Car in the Driveway

Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway. This creates the illusion that someone is home.

Random Noise

Use a radio or a smart speaker to play sounds at random intervals. Choose sounds that mimic everyday activities, such as talking or music.

Emergency Contact List

Prepare an emergency contact list and share it with trusted neighbors or friends.

Local Contacts

Include contact information for local friends or family members who can respond quickly if needed.

Professional Services

Add contact information for Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary and other professional services you might need in an emergency.

Final Check Before You Leave

Before heading out, perform a final security check to ensure everything is in place.

Lock All Doors and Windows

Double-check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget secondary entrances like basement windows and side doors.

Activate Security Systems

Ensure your alarm system is activated and all cameras are functioning correctly. Set up alerts on your phone to receive notifications of any unusual activity.

Unplug Electronics

Unplug non-essential electronics to prevent potential fire hazards. This also saves energy while you’re away.

Conclusion

Securing your home for vacation requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips, you can enjoy your time away with peace of mind, knowing your home is protected. For professional locksmith services, visit Lock & Locks Locksmith Calgary.