We all need to get away once in a while, but the idea alone often brings with it a fair amount of stress and anxiety.
One of the main things people worry about before taking a vacation is the security of their home. Holidays are sadly the ideal time for thieves to strike–if they have access to private information regarding when you’ll be going and for how long, their job becomes a lot easier.
It’s understandable to be concerned about break-ins, but thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent them from happening. In this post, you’ll learn 10 key features that contribute to maximum security.
Photo by Sebastian Scholz (Nuki) on Unsplash
- Sturdy Fencing
The best way to ensure no one makes it onto your property is with a fortified perimeter.
A tall, metal, electronic gate at the front of your home is always a good idea, and custom metal railings are ideal for a form that fits the exterior perfectly and doesn’t allow for any weak points. You might also want to consider large hedges to augment this effect.
- Alarm Systems
Today’s alarm systems are vastly improved compared to what was on the market 10 or 15 years ago. Nowadays, a home alarm setup can link directly to your smart device (a phone, tablet, or computer), so that in the event of an intrusion, you’re immediately alerted.
It’s usually best to buy these systems as part of a bundle, which includes a house alarm, motion detectors, and internal cameras (there are usually plenty of deals on throughout the year).
- Outdoor Security Cameras
Outdoor security cameras strategically installed on the exterior walls of your home are also a sound plan. Not only do modern options have the ability to link with your smart devices in the same way house alarms do, they’re also a great deterrent. Cameras can often be seen from a distance, and when a thief spots one, they’re likely to give your house a wide berth for fear of being caught. If you’re on a lower budget, even installing a dummy camera can be effective.
- Strategically Placed Lighting
Lighting represents a more subtle aid to your goal of maximum security, but it still plays an important role.
Burglars will always try to gain entry through the darkest areas of the property’s exterior, as there’s less chance of a neighbor seeing them this way. Having smart lighting that triggers when there’s movement in these dark spots can be a great deterrent: if a thief feels there might be even a slim possibility they’re being watched, they’re much less likely to bother.
If you have the budget, it also pays to add lighting around the entire perimeter to cover all bases.
- Smart Doorbells
Smart doorbells have many great uses, with home security being one of them.
As is the case with several of the above installations, a smart doorbell acts as a deterrent to those scoping out the area. Thieves often first pose as someone else while knocking on the door to get a better look at the house and suss out the situation, and the camera on these devices usually makes them think twice.
Photo by Wiredsmart.
- Strong Doors and Windows
Your doors and windows represent the main entry points for a burglar, so they should be a main priority when it comes to optimizing your home security.
Use high-quality, well-maintained locks for your doors that feature strong strike plates, and for your windows, each should have reinforced locks and security bars installed. Double-glazed windows are also a much safer option; any single-pained pieces of glass make for an easy entrance for a well-versed thief.
- Security Signs
Something super cheap you can use to deter a potential burglar is a security sign or two. There are a variety of options in terms of the messages these signs display, but the best ones make reference to the fact that security cameras are present and neighborhood watch communities are active.
This can sometimes be all that’s required to spook less experienced thieves, and they’re so inexpensive you may as well invest in them.
- Mail Management
You’ll undoubtedly have packages arrive while you’re away, and you’ll need a plan in place so they don’t get stolen. If you have a tall gate around the perimeter of the property as described above, it’s usually best to have a parcel left with a reliable neighbor. You could also consider using package lockers during the duration of your vacation.
- Community Communication
While it might not be a feature directly relating to your home’s security systems, don’t underestimate the power of community communication.
It’s always good to have a neighbor on the lookout while you’re away, and if the entire neighborhood has a shared duty to make sure everyone’s property is safe, it makes it much more difficult for an intruder to infiltrate.
If you’re particularly close with a particular neighbor, you could even ask them to periodically check your property to ensure everything’s in order.
- Insurance
And finally, there’s insurance. In the event that someone does break in, you’ll want to make sure you’re appropriately covered for any damages involving theft and vandalism.
Before traveling, review your policy and verify you’re adequately protected, and if not, update accordingly. If you’re unsure of exactly what you need, reach out to one of your insurance provider’s representatives for extra help.
Conclusion
By now you should have a better understanding of how to secure your property while away. You don’t need to have every single item checked off – even just installing a few of the features above should offer you peace of mind. Most importantly, have a great vacation!
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