Home Security Tips for Travelers

Vacations are meant to be fun and relaxing. Instead of worrying about your home's security while you're gone, you can follow some or all of these tips to keep your peace of mind.

Rely on Neighbors

Homes that are within close visual proximity to their neighbors could be overseen -- at least somewhat -- by them while the homeowner is away on vacation. Whether the individual has moved in recently or has been living there for years, it's a good idea to make an effort to get to know the neighbors. Even a quick glance by the neighbors as they drive by could alert them to something amiss, such as a strange car in the driveway or the homeowner's belongings strewn across the yard. A trusted neighbor could also retrieve the mail on a regular basis so it doesn't pile up and alert potential thieves to the fact that a home might be temporarily vacant.

Add More Lighting Outside

Decorative lighting has increased in popularity in recent years which is good news for homeowners. This is because such lighting often does double duty in providing extra security during the night hours. For added security, though, a homeowner shouldn't rely only on this type of lighting. In the case of exterior lighting, more is often better. Flood lights -- either that are on a motion sensor or a timer -- can help deter would-be criminals from taking advantage of the homeowner's absence.

Put Interior Lights on a Timer

Providing the impression that someone is at the home by leaving a light or two on at night time is classic advice. Today's technological advances make it possible for homeowners to put such lights on a timer. Not only does doing so help reduce the cost of such as safety measure but different lights can be programmed at different times in case someone is watching the home.

Consider Installing a Smart Home Security System

Home security systems are nothing new and have always been a source of security for homeowners when they're out of town. With today's smart home security systems, though, the homeowner is able to have instantaneous knowledge and control of their home and its security. Some models enable a homeowner to turn lights off and on to make it appear that someone is in the home. The added value with this improvement to your home is an extra bonus should you plan to sell the home within the next few years. There are also some types that give the homeowner the ability to turn the security system on and off to allow someone to come in and care for pets or get the mail.

Have Someone Check on the Home at Least Once a Day

Sometimes it might be a good decision to have someone come by the home every day. This makes even more sense if you own pets. Many pets are stressed out when they are boarded during their owners' vacation. Pets that are like this can often be cared for at home by a pet sitter. In some cases, a pet sitter will not only care for the owner's pets but they will also bring in the mail and give the home a once over to note if anything is out of place. One reason for hiring someone for this job is that a professional is likely to approach the job in a more business-like manner.

Care for the Lawn and Exterior

Homeowners who will be gone for more than a few days might consider hiring someone to mow the lawn or shovel their driveway. When these outdoor tasks are not completed, it is a highly-visible sign that someone is not in the home and able to attend to it. By following the above tips, homeowners can feel more secure about their home while they are on vacation. After all, the purpose of time away is to leave reality behind -- at least for a little while.

Posted By: Greg Geilman

http://www.southbayresidential.com/blog/2017-10/