As you prepare for an exciting vacation or business trip, ensuring the safety and security of your home should be a top priority. While traditional security measures like locks, alarms, and counter-surveillance equipment, like security cameras, are essential, there are several uncommon ideas that can significantly boost your home security effectiveness while you’re away. So here are some ways and strategies to protect your home during your absence.
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Create the Illusion of Activity
One effective way to deter potential burglars is to create the illusion that your home is occupied. Invest in timers for your lights and set them to turn on and off at different intervals throughout the day and night. You can also use smart home devices to remotely control your lights, television, or even blinds or shades. Additionally, consider asking a neighbor or friend to park their car in your driveway from time to time to give the impression that someone is home.
Also, investing in a home automation system not only helps you in your day-to-day life but can significantly enhance your home security while you’re away. These systems allow you to control various aspects of your home, such as lights and appliances, through a mobile app, and can even water your front lawn at certain times. By automating routines and simulating occupancy, you can give the impression that your home is actively lived in, even when you’re miles away.
Keep Up Appearances
Maintaining the appearance of an occupied home is crucial. Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, water your plants, and collect your mail and newspapers. An overgrown lawn and a pile of uncollected mail are clear indications that nobody is home, making your property a more attractive target for burglars. So do not neglect this tip.
Install Outdoor Security Cameras
Outdoor security cameras serve as both a deterrent and a means of collecting evidence if a break-in does occur. Opt for cameras with night vision and infrared lights, motion detection, and live-streaming capabilities. Position the cameras strategically to cover vulnerable areas such as entry points, driveways, and backyard entrances. Additionally, prominently displaying signs indicating the presence of security cameras can further discourage potential intruders.
Implement Smart Locks and Doorbell Cameras
Upgrade your traditional locks with smart locks and doorbell cameras, luckily, they are not that costly nowadays. Smart locks allow you to control and monitor access to your home remotely, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter. Doorbell cameras provide you with real-time video footage of anyone approaching your front door. And the majority of them allow for two-way communication, enabling you to speak to visitors using your phone app as if you were at home.
Be Mindful of Social Media
While it’s tempting to share your travel plans and vacation photos on social media platforms, be cautious about broadcasting your absence to the public. Sharing your location and the duration of your trip can provide valuable information to potential burglars. It’s best to wait until you’ve returned from your trip to share your experiences.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Your home network can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially when you’re away and not actively monitoring it. Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is password protected, and use a strong, unique password. Regularly update your router firmware and consider enabling network encryption, such as WPA2, to safeguard your network from unauthorized access.Â
Notify Trusted Individuals
Informing trusted individuals, such as trusted neighbors, family members, or close friends, about your travel plans can be beneficial. Share your contact information and itinerary with them, so they can easily reach you if any emergencies arise. Ask them to keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious activities.
Preparation Is Everything
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly boost the effectiveness of your home security while you’re traveling. Creating the illusion of activity, utilizing smart technology, and taking preventive measures will give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is protected. Remember, an effective home security system
