Home Protection

Are you considering traveling for vacation in the warmer months? You’re not alone. In 2019, 4 in 10 Americans said they would take a summer vacation, according to AAA.
All that travel sounds great, until you remember that your home is more vulnerable to attack while you’re away. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, summer has the highest rates of household crimes including burglary.
With longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and more residents spending time away from their homes, the mid-season is prime time for crime. So, how do you keep your home safe and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re protected from break-ins? Here are a few key steps that can help.
1.   AMP UP SECURITY WITH IMPROVED LOCKS
One of the simplest ways to keep your home safe, regardless of season, is to invest in high-quality locks. Older homes and older locks can suffer from wear and tear. Rust, squeaky knobs, and worn-out keys can lead to vulnerabilities in the mechanisms that help keep your home entries protected.
Rather than opting for a lower-quality lock replacement at your local hardware store, consider hiring a professional locksmith to assess your lock situation. A trained professional can examine your locks and make recommendations that fit your needs and your budget.
2.   DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR GARAGE DOORS AND WINDOWS
According to FBI data, 95% of all home invasions require forceful entry – to windows, doors, and locks. Often, homeowners focus their investments in the main entry points of their home: the front and back door. But there are many ways for an intentional burglar to gain entry to your home.
Before you leave for your vacation, be sure that your windows are closed tightly and locked shut. If your garage functionality allows, a garage door lock can help prevent a burglar from manually breaking in. Don’t forget about the door into your home from the garage, either. This can be a prime entry point.
3.   CONSIDER USING A CAMERA SYSTEM
When you’re away from home, you want to remain feeling in control of your space. Installing a camera system in and out of your home can help you feel more confident and secure. You may be able to find an affordable DIY option at a hardware store. You can also consider hiring a professional to install a system.
4.   INSTALL MOTION LIGHTS OUTDOORS
When burglars want to use the cover of night to commit their deeds while residents are away, simple motion-detecting lights can work wonders to keep them at bay. These lights can be installed around your home to turn on when motion is detected. This is one small step that can make a big impact on the safety of your home while you’re traveling on vacation.
5.   PROTECT YOUR YARD FROM ENTRY
Your backyard can prove to be a prime “safe zone” for a potential burglar. Under the protective cover of trees or patios, they have more opportunity to make their way inside without being noticed. Take precautions to keep your backyard safe from unwanted trespassers. This can mean adding locks to fences, installing cameras or motion lighting systems, or some combination of these.
6.   AMP UP SECURITY AROUND YOUR FRONT DOOR
Did you know that 34% of burglaries happen through the front door? Take measures to protect every area of your home from intruders, but pay special attention to your front door. You may choose to combine motion-detecting lights with a camera system and access control, keyless entry lock on the front door for a safer experience. Together, you’ll have the ultimate safety protocols in place.
7.   LEAVE SIGNS OF LIFE
Avoid leaving tell-tale signs that you’re away when you leave home for extended periods. If you can, leave a car in the driveway to deter burglars who prefer to break-in while residents are away. Leave the light on in your bedroom, living room, or hallway so that, at night, your home will have the appearance of someone being there.
8.   GET OTHERS YOU TRUST INVOLVED
Sometimes, the best defense for your home is a great offense. Lean on people you trust to ensure the safety of your home while you’re away.
Ask your neighbors to return your trash cans to their rightful place and check your mail for a few days. A build-up of these items suggests to a potential burglar that no one is around to take care of these things. If possible, have someone check-in with your home and strategically change the appearance of the space. A friend can leave a different light on every few days when they drop by to water the plants in order to build on the semblance of someone living in the home.
9.   AVOID SHARING YOUR WHEREABOUTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Potential burglars may turn to digital channels to track your whereabouts. If they have your name or any other personal information and want to stalk your position before committing a crime, social media is a great place to start. Images depicting you enjoying a beach vacation, plus the appearance of an empty house, can make a burglary more likely. Avoid using geo locations in your social media pictures while you’re away. Instead, you can post everything once you return!
If you plan to travel this year, keep these tips in mind. You’ll have added peace of mind with the knowledge that your home and your belongings will be safe and sound. If you’re in need of locksmith services, consider calling BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY!