Home Security For Vacationers - Leave Your Home Secured

Pre-Vacation Home Security Checklist

Before you set off on your holiday, it's essential to prepare your home to appear lived-in and secure. Here are some practical measures to consider:

• Pause Deliveries: An accumulation of mail or newspapers is a telltale sign of an empty house. Suspend these services or arrange for a trusted neighbor to collect them.
• Secure Weak Points: Conduct a mock intrusion to identify vulnerabilities. Strengthen these areas to prevent easy access.
• Use Timers: Install timers on lights and electronics to simulate activity within the home at various intervals.
• Enlist Help: Consider having a friend or relative stay at your home, or at least check on it regularly.

Simulating Occupancy: The Art of Deception

Creating the illusion that your home is occupied is a powerful deterrent to burglars. Here's how to do it effectively:

• Electrical Timers: These devices can control lighting and appliances, turning them on and off at predetermined or random times. They are affordable and available at most hardware stores.
• Sound and Visual Cues: Leave a TV or radio on with a timer to mimic the sounds of an occupied home. Additionally, keep some curtains partially open to give the appearance of someone being inside.

The Ultimate Safeguard: Home Security Systems

A professionally installed and monitored home security system is the cornerstone of home protection. These systems offer various features:

• Remote Arming: Arm and disarm your system with a keypad or keychain remote for convenience.
• Immediate Response: In the event of a breach, the system alerts a monitoring center, which can dispatch emergency services promptly.

According to a report by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, about 60% of convicted burglars stated the presence of a security system influenced their decision to target another home. This underscores the effectiveness of a comprehensive security system.

Returning to a Secure Home

The goal of any vacationer should be to return to a home just as they left it—safe and sound. By implementing multiple layers of security and planning ahead, you can significantly reduce the chances of a break-in. Enjoy your time away, knowing that your home is well-protected.

Remember, the more layers of security you have, the less appealing your home becomes to potential intruders. With a solid security plan in place, you can relax and enjoy your vacation, confident that your home is secure.

For more information on home security systems and best practices, you can visit the National Crime Prevention Council or check out the latest statistics and tips from the FBI's Crime in the United States report.