The summer time crime wave is here with July and August right around the corner. The FBI reports that home burglary rates increase nearly double during the summer months. Why is that you ask? Most people are on summer vacation and tend to travel abroad leaving an empty home behind.
Everybody knows that an empty home is a burglar’s best friend, and in this article I will provide you with some tips to consider before you leave on that much needed getaway you’ve been dying to take.
As you probably know, home security is an important part of any trip plan. Whether you’re planning for a weekend getaway, or a month long trip, the tips provided below will help keep your home safe and free of any headaches when you return from your vacation.
Security Tips For the Inside of Your Home
Shut off the main water supply. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, it's probably a good idea to turn off your home’s main water supply. Find and turn off the main water valve.
Usually you can find your home’s water valve on the front, street-facing side of the home’s lower level. Sometimes it can be found in your home’s crawl space. The last thing you want to come to after a vacation is a flooded home.
Disconnect all electrical devices. To save on energy costs and to prevent electrical fires, it’s a good idea to unplug all appliances, big or small. As an added measure, it doesn’t hurt to turn off all unnecessary electrical circuit breakers.
Disable your water heater. If you’re going to be away for a long period of time, there’s no sense in keeping the water hot on. And whether your water heater is electric or gas, this will save you money on your energy bills as well as giving you peace of mind.
7 Tips to Burglar Proof Your Home Before Leaving for Vacation
Adjust your blinds. Make sure to leave your blinds in a closed position. The last thing you want is a burglar to see that 48 inch plasma TV you have hanging on your wall.
Install motion sensor surveillance cameras. In the event that someone does break into your home during your absence, having a video of the break-in might be the only clues that you have. Merchants such as BrickhouseSecurity.com are trusted by law enforcement and security professionals.
Lock up your valuables. This sounds like a no-brainer but you would be surprised. Secure all valuables such as jewelry, personal papers, cash, guns, etc. in a safe or safe deposit box. If you’re keeping it in safe at home, be sure the safe is bolted to the ground. Be sure to record the serial numbers of all applicable items; the police and your insurance company will need this information in the event of a robbery.
Home Security Landscaping. Be sure to complete all your yard work before leaving. A burglar can target a home from just the condition of the landscaping of a home. Be sure to mow the lawn and trim any bushes or shrubbery around any windows. Ensure all your tools and yard equipment are put back into the home when done.
Hold the mail. Have the Post Office hold all your mail while you’re away on vacation. Burglars just need to see a stacked-up pile of mail to know the homeowner hasn’t been home for a week. Also do the same if you have a newspaper subscription.
Home “social” security. The last thing you want to do is broadcast to all your friends on Facebook & Twitter that you’re going away on a vacation. If you do, be sure to change the privacy settings so that just your personal friends see the news. Burglars have been using social media as a new way to target unoccupied homes.
Police vacation watch list. You can inform your local police station of your vacation plans. The police will then put you on a vacation home watch list. Be sure to leave any contact information of who is responsible for your home while you’re away.
Lock up! This might seem elementary, but when you’re trying to rush everyone out the door, this little detail can sometimes be missed. Make sure all your windows and doors are locked before leaving for your trip.
Now that you have all the tips to secure your home you should pretty much be ready to enjoy your trip. Keep in mind, not all homes are burglar proof, which is why it’s always safer than sorry to own a wireless security system to thwart off any potential burglars. Remember, home burglaries can result in the loss of valuables as well as peace of mind.
