Protecting Your Home While You're Away

How to Protect Your Home While You're Away​

Whether you are going on a vacation, work trip, or visiting family out of state, you may need to leave your house unaccompanied for a few days. This can be stressful for many people, especially if it's your first time going away since buying your home. To make things easier, our team at HomeHunt has developed a list of ways to protect your home while you are away.

Lock All Windows and Doors​

Before you leave the house for any length of time, make sure to check that all windows and doors are locked. This may seem obvious but burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows about 32% of the time.

Install a Professional Home Security System

The best way to protect your home is to install a professional home security system. Door and window sensors can ensure that all entrances to your house are being monitored when you are away. Some professional systems allow you to self-monitor, giving you extra security and awareness of what is going on in your house. If there is a breach in your security system, the alarm company will call the authorities to check out the scene.

Do Not Post Publicly On Social Media When Away​

Going on vacation is exciting and we understand wanting to post pictures all over social media. However, when you share your travel plans, you are opening up the opportunity for someone to break into your house. If you choose to post pictures online during your vacation, make sure that the photos are private and viewed by close friends.

Install a Home Security CameraInstall Outdoor Security Lights​

Burglars normally try to enter a house in an area that is dark and hidden from neighbors. It is a good idea to install lights in dark places to illuminate hidden doors or windows. Most outdoor lights are motion-activated, adding an extra layer of security.

Leave a Car in the Driveway​

A car in the driveway is a major deterrent to burglars who are scoping out potential homes to enter because it usually means that someone is home. When you go away, leave your car in your driveway or where people can see it so that burglars are less likely to break into your home.

Unplug Non-Essential Electronics​

If you are away for longer than a day, unplug non-essential electronics, including TVs, computers, coffee makers, fans, and lamps. This will reduce the risk of a fire and will save you money. Plugged-in electronics, even if they are not in use, are still using electricity and account for 5 to10% of residential energy costs.

Lock Up Valuables​

If you have expensive items out in the open, they are easy for burglars to find and take quickly. Lock up your most expensive and valuable items in a household safe, as well as social security cards and financial information.

Ask a Friend to Check In​

If you will be gone for a while, to ensure your house’s safety, ask a friend or close neighbor to check in on your house periodically. Ask them to check for signs of attempted entry or any other potential problems. You can also ask them to park in the driveway and move around patio furniture to make it look like someone is home.

Contact HomeHunt today for more tips, or to get the home buying or selling process started! 

Related Posts