The holiday season is the perfect time to relax and enjoy a well-earned vacation, but leaving your home unattended can create opportunities for burglars. Taking a few preventive steps before you leave can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins and give you greater peace of mind while you’re away.
Here are some practical ways to protect your home before your next trip.
Your locks are your home’s first line of defense. Before leaving, inspect every exterior door to ensure the locks are in good condition and functioning properly.
Examine the locks on your front door, back door, garage entry door, and any side entrances.
Look for:
If your locks are outdated or worn, replacing them before your trip can improve your home’s security.
High-security deadbolts offer greater protection against lock picking, bumping, drilling, and forced entry than standard residential locks. Professional installation ensures they provide the maximum level of security.
Modern smart security devices make it easier than ever to monitor your property from virtually anywhere.
Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely using your smartphone. They also let you create temporary access codes for trusted family members, neighbors, or house sitters without giving out physical keys.
Visible security cameras and video doorbells can discourage potential intruders while allowing you to monitor activity around your home in real time. Motion alerts and live video provide added confidence when you’re away.
Burglars often look for the easiest point of entry, making it important to secure every access point before leaving.
Double-check that every window is fully closed and locked. Ground-floor windows and basement windows should receive extra attention.
For additional protection, consider:
Sliding doors can often be strengthened with a security bar or heavy-duty dowel placed in the track. Additional locking devices can also make them much more resistant to forced entry.
A home that appears occupied is far less attractive to burglars.
Set interior lights, televisions, or radios to turn on and off at different times during the evening to simulate normal household activity.
An overflowing mailbox or packages left at your front door quickly signal that nobody is home.
Before leaving:
Avoid announcing your vacation plans or sharing real-time travel updates publicly. Waiting until you return home to post vacation photos helps reduce the chance of advertising that your house is empty.
If you’re planning an extended trip, having a professional locksmith inspect your home’s security can be a worthwhile investment. A locksmith can identify vulnerable entry points, recommend lock upgrades, reinforce doors, and suggest additional security measures tailored to your property.
Preparing your home before you travel doesn’t have to be complicated. By upgrading your locks, using smart security devices, securing all doors and windows, and creating the appearance that someone is home, you can greatly reduce the risk of burglary while you’re away.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, taking these simple precautions allows you to enjoy your trip with greater confidence, knowing your home is better protected until you return.
