How To Keep Your Home Secure While You're Away

♫♫All my bags are packed
I'm ready to go
I'm standin' here outside your door...♫♫

You're heading out on vacation or traveling from work, and your home will be vacant and empty for an extended amount of time.  You can't help but worry about keeping your home safe from burglars and break ins.  So what will you do?

How To Keep Your Home Secure While You're Away

If you haven't really thought about what to do with your home prior to leaving for an extended period of time, here's some important tips to consider:

1--Hold your mail.
2--Hold your newspaper delivery.
3--Install a timer on a lamp or two.
4--Install a sensor on your driveway light, front and back porch lights.
5--Only inform family & close friends of your travels.

Count On Your Next Door Neighbor

Call A Family Member Or Close Friend

It’s tempting to call a friend or family member and ask them for a favor--after all, it's doubtful they'd decline. But unless they live close by, this could be a major inconvenience and the probability of them actually checking up on your home is pretty slim.  If you're friendly with your neighbors, asking them to watch the house may be a better option.  Let them know when you're leaving and returning, and give them your alarm code and a spare key in case of emergency.  This way, they can quickly surveil your home to see if anything is amiss without actually being inconvenienced.  Remember to thank your neighbors when you return with small token of your appreciation, like a gift card or a bottle of wine.

On the flip side, if you don't have any close neighbors (or neighbors you'd trust), then consider asking a family member or close friend.  You know you don't want to be a bother, but you can always owe them one and return the favor in the future.  If you have a relative or a bestie who is single, ask them if they'd like to stay in the house while you're away--just be sure you trust them to be alone in your home.

Ask The Neighborhood Watch

Or, Watch The Home Yourself

Rather than ask a specific person, you can speak to a group. Communities like to feel safe, which is why neighborhood watch programs exist throughout America.  All you need to know is that the one that patrols your ‘hood is the perfect partner in crime (excuse the pun). Whereas a neighbor may feel put out, the watchers will love the responsibility. Simply ask them to patrol your home during their watch to be sure that everything is fine.  Want more info?  Check out www.protectamerica.com.

“No, I can’t! I’m going to be in Tahiti for 14 days with my family, how would I do that?” Listen, I'm not suggesting that you cancel your vacation; what I'm suggesting is you invest in technology. There are sites like www.suddenlink.com that specialize in surveilling your property and reporting back with a live feed straight to your phone or laptop. By downloading the app, you can see what is happening in real time and even talk to trespassers right on the spot. Plus, an alarm will alert you to anything untoward.  This is handy, convenient and keeps an eye on your property 24/7/365.

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Check out this awesome home security cheat sheet, it really is a handy guide guide for a more secure household!