28th Dec 2018
Keeping Your Home Safe While You're On Vacation
As the holiday season approaches, we can all start looking forward to our winter break and dreaming of how we will spend our cherished days off. For some of us, this means cozy nights inside with friends or family, but for many of us, the holidays will be spent out of town or even overseas. If you are travelling near or far, as you begin to pack bags and confirm flight details, also remember to take every precaution to secure your home while you are away.
Burglary During The Holidays
While most of us prefer to relax and enjoy this season, it's very important to acknowledge the fact that in many cities, burglary rates rise during the holidays. This is due to many factors, including people travelling out of town and people bringing home expensive gifts like electronics and jewelry. Stay prepared for anything that could happen with these simple tips.
Your Safety Checklist
- Window and door locks- One of the first and most obvious measures to take is securing your windows and doors. If there are any faulty locks that aren't quite shutting properly, now it the time to get those replaced. If you don't have deadbolts installed on every external door, you may want to consider having some installed.
- Alarm system- If you have a home security system, check to make sure it is working. You should also call your security company to let them know you will be travelling out of town so that they can make a note and keep an eye on your home while you're away. Before leaving your home, make sure you do not have the alarm codes written anywhere in plain sight. And lastly, be sure to arm your alarm system before you leave.
- Security cameras- Cameras outside your home are a great deterrent to theft as many burglars looks for these when targeting homes. If you do not yet have security cameras as part of your home security plan, we are happy to install some before you leave.
- Lighting- Indoor and outdoor lighting are also great deterrents to theft of your home. When you leave town, it is best to leave one or two indoor lights on which gives the appearance of someone being home. For outdoor lighting, motion sensor lighting can discourage break-ins as well.
- Hire a house sitter- Especially if you have pets, hiring a house sitter can be a great option for keeping your home safe. Occupied homes are much less likely to be broken into than empty homes.
- Have someone pick up your mail- Ask a neighbor or friend to collect your mail, packages and newspapers while you are gone so it doesn't pile up outside.
- Maintain your yard- If you're going to be gone for a long amount of time, it may be necessary to have some yard maintenance done while you are away. If you live in a snowy area, you should have your walkway and porch shoveled.
- Don't post about your trip online- One of the simplest ways to avoid many people knowing you are out of town is to avoid posting it on social media sites. We recommend that you post pictures or other updates once you have returned to your home.
Not sure if your Home is Secure? Consider a Security Assessment
Getting a security assessment is one of the best ways you can protect your home before you leave. At Always Affordable Locksmiths Ltd, we can send one of our house security experts to evaluate your home protection measures. We may recommend getting some locks replaced or having additional locks installed. If you don't yet have an alarm system, we can recommend some of the best home security systems on the market. Our experienced professionals know how to find places your system may be vulnerable and can customize a security plan that is right for you. We want to make sure your home is secure so you can enjoy this holiday season.