Securing A House When You Are On Vacation
Summer should be filled with road trips, long days at the beach, new sights, and old friends. Home security is the last thing you want to consider while relaxing with your family. Nowadays, keeping your home secure is more complicated than simply locking the doors. Only leave for a vacation after going through this checklist to protect your property from intruders.
Lock the windows and doors
Although it may appear obvious, we have all had the gut-wrenching experience of believing we had left a window or door unlocked. Check Slotenmaker Voorburg for locksmith services. Making a checklist well before your trip is an easy way to avoid this unnecessary worry. Include items such as “check each window” and “close the garden gate,” and set aside 15 minutes to walk through your house and check off each item.
In addition to locking the doors and windows, consider other points of entry that should be secured if you’ll be gone for an extended period. For example, window well covers around the basement should be locked. To keep the entrance secure, the garage door can be disabled and locked from the inside with a deadbolt. A safety bar or a simple wooden dowel can be placed in the track of a sliding glass door to prevent it from opening, even if a thief can force the lock. Also, gather any emergency keys that may have been left outside the house.
Installing deadbolts on doors and windows may be additional security measures to make it more difficult for thieves to enter the home. You should also consider replacing standard or less durable locks with high-security locks. Doors with handle locks can be opened using only a plastic credit card. Deadbolts, on the other hand, provide twice the locking security and require considerable force to open. Install deadbolts on all your entry doors, not just the high-traffic ones. Your home’s security is only as good as its weakest entry point.
Make it appear as if someone is at home
Burglars frequently observe homes for an extended time before attempting to break in. They want to know if anyone is home and find an appropriate window when they can force the door locks or break a window and gain access to the house. Consider the home-care activities you perform every week. This will help you anticipate everything that needs to be done while you’re away to give the impression that someone is at home.
Install surveillance cameras or an alarm system
For added security, many homeowners install security cameras and alarm systems. If you have a home security system, ensure it is turned on before leaving. You should also notify the home security company of your plans to travel.
Purchase smart locks
Consider installing smart locks, which allow you to monitor any activity at your home’s entry points via an integrated mobile app. With smart locks, you can grant cleaning services or pet sitters temporary access at predetermined times while you’re away.