Are you on the road a lot? Maybe it’s because you’re visiting family or taking a vacation. Maybe your job requires you to fly all around the world. Whatever it is, you want to know that your home is safe while you are away. There are many things you can do that are easy, and cheap, to ward off unwanted guests. Here are some quick and easy security tips.

Security

  • Make sure you have strong deadbolts and locks. Pick one that is known to hold up against drilling and picking.
  • Reinforce doorjambs and strike plates to make it harder to break-in.
  • Lock your windows and apply window security film. If someone tries to break in, they won’t be able to get past the glass because the film adds an extra barrier.
  • Motion Sensor lights. If you don’t already have them, you should get them. Sudden movement will trigger the lights, lighting up your home and making it harder for anyone to hide around your house.

 

Appearances

  • Don’t let your mail pile up.
    • Have someone stop by your house and collect your mail or newspapers that gather on your porch. Piled up mail is a sign that no one is home to collect it, making your house a target.
  • Mowing the lawn.
    • Hire someone to mow the lawn if you are away for a long period of time, which helps with upkeep and ‘wanted’ traffic around your home.
  • Parked Car.
    • If you do leave your car parked in the driveway, avoid leaving valuables in the open. This welcomes burglaries.
  • Open Space.
    • A house with a lot of trees in the yard is easier to hide in then a house with a yard surrounded by a lot of open space.

 

Keep Quiet

  • Avoid posting about your traveling plans.
    • Wait until you come back from your vacation to share your experiences. Burglars may look up your profile online to see if you’ve posted anything about upcoming trips. This gives them the room to plan their break-in.
  • Keep your neighbors informed.
    • Talk to a neighbor your trust, to watch your house. Or, have a friend stop by to check on it and make sure everything is as it should be.
  • Only tell a small group of people
    • You never know who is listening to your conversation and you don’t want the wrong person to hear when you’ll be away.