How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away on Holiday Travel

The Importance of Home Protection

Leaving your home unprotected during your vacation can expose you to risks that could potentially disrupt your holiday and cause lasting damage. Incidents like burglaries are unfortunately common when homeowners are away, and they can have both financial and emotional impacts. Taking the necessary precautions to secure your home before your departure can give you peace of mind knowing that your property is safe.

Homes that appear vacant are often targeted by thieves. Without proper security measures like alarm systems, surveillance cameras, or even simply leaving a few lights on, your home could become a prime target. The financial impact of a burglary can be substantial, as you may lose valuable possessions that are not easily replaceable.

Beyond the financial aspect, the emotional impact of a home burglary can be severe. Imagine coming back from a relaxing holiday only to discover your home has been violated. This can leave you feeling unsafe and distressed in your own home. By investing time to secure your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of such an unsettling event.

Securing your home also gives you peace of mind while you're away. Knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to protect your property can allow you to fully enjoy your vacation without the constant worry about what might be happening back home. You can relax and unwind, confident in the knowledge that your home is being looked after and safeguarded.

Securing Your Doors and Windows

One of the key aspects of protecting your home while you're away on holiday travel is securing your doors and windows. Here are some effective measures you can take:

Install Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolt locks are an excellent way to bolster your doors. They provide an extra layer of security and make it more difficult for intruders to gain entry. Opt for high-quality deadbolt locks that are resistant to picking and tampering.

Reinforce Door Frames and Hinges

Weak door frames and hinges can be easy targets for burglars. Strengthen them by using longer screws to secure the hinges and install metal strike plates with longer screws on the door frame. This makes it harder for anyone to kick in the door.

Use Window Security Film or Bars

Windows are another vulnerable entry point, so it's critical to reinforce them as well. Window security film is a transparent layer that sticks to the glass and helps prevent break-ins by making it harder to shatter the window. Alternatively, you can install window security bars that provide a physical barrier against intruders.

By taking these precautions to secure your doors and windows, you can rest assured knowing that your home is well-protected while you're away on holiday travel.

Boosting Outdoor Security

Enhancing your outdoor security is another essential step in protecting your home while you're away on holiday travel. Here are some measures you can take to ward off potential intruders:

• Install Motion Sensor Lights: Motion sensor lights are a valuable addition to your home's security system. They automatically turn on when they detect movement, illuminating the area and potentially deterring burglars from approaching your home unnoticed.
• Trim Shrubs and Trees for Better Visibility: Overgrown shrubs and trees can provide hiding spots for intruders. Regularly trimming them improves visibility around your property and eliminates potential hiding places. This not only enhances security but also gives your home a well-maintained appearance.
• Secure Gates and Fences: Check your gates and fences for any weaknesses or damage. Repair or replace any broken parts and ensure they are properly secured. Consider adding locks or padlocks for an extra layer of security. A sturdy gate and fence can act as a deterrent, making it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to enter your property.

By implementing these outdoor security measures, you can enjoy your holiday travel with peace of mind. Remember, taking proactive steps to protect your home can significantly prevent break-ins and ensure the safety of your property and belongings.

Maintaining the Appearance of Occupancy

When you're away on holiday travel, it's important to make your home appear occupied. This can help deter burglars and ensure your peace of mind. Here are some effective ways to maintain the illusion of occupancy:

• Use timers for lights and electronics: Set up timers to automatically turn lights, TVs, or radios on and off at different times throughout the day and night. This gives the impression that someone is home, making your house less attractive to potential intruders.
• Arrange for mail and package pickups: A pile of untouched mail or packages can be a clear sign that nobody is home. Before you leave, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to collect your mail or packages regularly. Alternatively, you can request a temporary hold on your mail delivery with the post office.
• Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway: If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, consider asking one of them to park their car in your driveway while you're away. This creates the illusion that someone is home and can deter potential burglars from targeting your house.

Using Home Security Technology

Utilizing home security technology can provide an additional layer of protection for your home while you're away on holiday travel. Here are some ways you can use home security technology to safeguard your property:

• Install a Video Doorbell Camera: A video doorbell camera is a great addition to your home security system. It enables you to see who is at your front door, even when you're not home. With motion detection, you'll receive instant alerts on your smartphone when someone approaches your doorstep. You can also communicate with visitors using the two-way audio feature, giving the illusion that you're home.
• Set up a Home Security System: A comprehensive home security system provides multiple layers of protection. It typically includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, and an alarm system. When integrated with professional monitoring services, you can be confident that any suspicious activity will be immediately reported to the authorities.
• Use Smart Home Devices for Remote Monitoring: Smart home devices, such as smart cameras and smart locks, allow you to monitor your home remotely. With a smartphone app, you can view live video feeds, receive real-time notifications, and even lock or unlock your doors from anywhere in the world. This level of control ensures that you're always informed about what's happening at home, no matter where you are.

By using these home security technologies, you can enhance the security of your home while you're away on holiday travel. Remember, it's always important to choose reliable and trusted brands, like Sears Home Services, to ensure the quality and effectiveness of your home security system.

Additional Home Protection Tips

When you're away on holiday travel, taking additional precautions to protect your home is crucial. Here are some more tips to ensure your home remains secure:

1. Inform trusted neighbors or family members

Before you leave, tell a trusted neighbor or family member about your travel plans. Give them your contact information and ask them to keep an eye on your property. They can help by picking up your mail, removing any newspapers from your doorstep, and even parking their car in your driveway to give the illusion that someone is home.

2. Secure valuable items in a safe

If you have valuable items like jewelry, important documents, or electronics, consider storing them in a home safe. A safe provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that your most precious belongings are protected from theft.

3. Disable garage door openers

Before leaving, disable your garage door openers to prevent unauthorized access to your home. Most garage door openers have a vacation mode that can be activated, which prevents the remotes from working. Alternatively, you can unplug the garage door opener or lock the manual release latch.

By following these additional tips, you can enjoy your holiday travel with peace of mind, knowing that your home is well-protected.