24 Hour Emergency Response 604-644-9229 (BC) 780-995-9229 (AB) 416-628-3393 (ON)
24 Hour Emergency Response 604-644-9229 (BC) 780-995-9229 (AB) 416-628-3393 (ON)
Summer vacation is supposed to be a fun, relaxing, and stress-free time of the year. However, recent statistics show that burglary rates rise during the summer months, often because homeowners and families are away on vacation. With that in mind, it is crucial that you protect your home and your belongings as much as possible while you are away. By investing in home security and being discreet about your vacation plans, you can effectively minimize your odds of being targeted for a robbery or home invasion while you are on vacation. This peace of mind is truly invaluable. Here are eight home security tips for your summer vacation:
While it sounds simple, you might be surprised by how many people fall victim to burglars and intruders while away on vacation, simply because they forgot to lock a second-floor window or even the garage door. Before leaving for your vacation, be sure to check (and double-check) every window, door, and other entrance to your home to make sure they are locked and secure. By ensuring all access points are secure, you are making your home much less vulnerable to break-ins. Burglars are often looking for the easiest target, so preventing them from entering your home with ease may be enough to deter them.
While away on vacation, try to make your home appear occupied and change as little as possible from your regular routine. If you usually keep your blinds open during the day, continue this routine. Although it may seem counterintuitive, obvious signs that you are away from home will make you a target for potential intruders. This can also include getting your mail delivery postponed, leaving a car in your driveway for the duration of your trip, and even opting for a sitter to visit your home to take care of your pets (rather than sending them to overnight boarding).
To help make your home appear occupied, you can also install automated lighting alongside most modern security systems. Automated lighting allows you to turn your lights on and off (or even dim them), all from the comfort of your mobile device. In this way, you can control the lights in your house from your cell phone or tablet, even while travelling or on vacation. Your lights can also be set to a specific schedule, having them turn on and off at specific times to make your home look lived-in. For added benefits, consider adding an automated porch light to your front door to make it seem like you are home.
Rather than just making your home look occupied, you can also have a friend stay at your place or check in on your home periodically throughout your vacation. Whether they are looking after your pets and plants or simply collecting your mail, adding the physical presence of a trusted friend or family member can go a long way to providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe and secure.
For emergency situations and break-ins, a dynamic alarm system is crucial for protecting your home from further damage and theft. Many modern alarm systems are equipped with Smart Locks or other access control features. These systems require a coded entry to gain access to your home. If the code is entered incorrectly or someone tries to break in through a window while the system is armed, an alarm will sound. Not only will this spook the intruder (and hopefully force them to flee), it will also send a direct call to the alarm system company, which will contact you directly and notify the necessary authorities and first-responders.
Video monitoring is another handy feature that can give you a great deal of peace of mind while travelling. Modern video monitoring systems include high-definition video cameras that can be mounted in virtually any location inside or outside your home, providing you ultimate visibility of entry points and high-risk areas on your property. These cameras can be accessed from your mobile device, allowing you to monitor your home through a live video feed. In the event of a break-in, these cameras record video evidence that can be used for insurance claims or legal action.
Burglars are not the only threat to your home while you are away on vacation. Fires and carbon monoxide can also be quite dangerous and destructive, so it is important to protect your home as much as possible. When designing your alarm system, opt for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms that are connected to your security system. In the event that an emergency occurs, your alarm will sound and your service provider can notify the proper first-responders, hopefully minimizing the extent of the damage.
Finally, one of the most important security tips for protecting your home during your summer vacation is to never post details about your vacation online. Many home invasions are committed by people who know the homeowners. By posting on social media that you are away for a vacation, you are exposing your house to possible threats, as they know you will not be home. Be as discreet as possible when discussing your trip, and save the social media updates until after you get back.
At Optimum Security, we provide Canadian homeowners with comprehensive residential security systems. Our security technicians can help you design the perfect security system for your home—a system tailored to your individual needs. For more information about our residential security systems in Vancouver and throughout the rest of Canada, call us at 604-644-9229 or visit our website here.
