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7 Tips for Securing Your Home while you’re Away

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Blake Davies
7 Tips for Securing Your Home while you’re Away

They say that traveling is one of the best ways to unwind and create some great memories. We can all agree to this without a doubt. But some people worry about the safety of their house during their absence. This fear can be justified because we’ve probably heard a story or two about break-ins or other unfortunate events. For this reason, we will present a few ways to secure your home before going away.

 

Make sure everything can be locked

Inspect all windows and doors and check if they can be closed and locked easily. Faulty locks can put your home at risk of unauthorized entry. Many people overlook this and reportedly 30% of break-ins happen this way.  Check if every window can be properly secured and make sure to close even the smallest window before you go. Besides that, lock every door including the garage door. If your garage has an automatic door, do not forget to disconnect it. 

 

Make it look like someone’s there 

Create the illusion of someone being there to an outside observer. Instead of putting all the blinds down and turning off all lights, do the opposite. Timers and motion sensor lights can make it look like someone is inside by turning the lights randomly around the house. Don’t close the curtains, blinds or shutters. Position everything like you normally do while you are home. Also, put motion sensor lights outside your house so there won’t be any unlit place if someone plans to hide among the bushes.

 

Burglarproof your home with the help of a security system

If you really want to be at ease while miles and miles away from your lovely home, secure your home with the help of professionals. A home security system will increase the safety of your home and valuables. Residential CCTV security system allows remote viewing so you’ll be able to check your home easily. Cameras alone will deter burglars so make sure to position them properly. Cover all the blind spots around your premises and your home won’t be an easy target.

 

Secure valuable possessions

The best way to keep your valuables safe and tucked away is under a lock and key. Safe would be your best option in this situation. In case you don’t own a safe, think of unusual places to hide your valuables. Do not disclose your secret locations to your kids because they like to snoop around, look at things and don’t return them to their place. Don’t just hide valuable material positions. Put away all important documents containing your personal identification.

 

Have someone check your home every once in a while

Have someone check your home once you’re gone. This can be either your friend or a relative. Assign this task to someone you really trust and give them the spare keys. They will check if everything is in order, take care of the mail, water the plants and report back to you. Alternatively, you can hire a housesitter to look after your house and even take care of your pets.

 

Do not disclose your every move to the world

If you plan on being away for a longer period, limit your online presence. You don't really have to disclose your every move to the online world. It is advisable to wait until you get home to post images from your vacation. However, if you can’t wait until you get home, try to be mysterious about it and do not disclose your actual location.

 

Turn off the main water valve

Water can do a lot of damage in case a pipe bursts or there’s a leaky pipe. This can do a lot of damage even if you are at home and you need to react quickly. That is why you should know where every valve around the house is and what it's for. If you want to avoid the possibility of water damage in your absence, make sure to switch off the main source of water supply. During winter, set your thermostat to the proper temperature to prevent frozen pipes.

 

It is equally important to place your spare key inside the house and not at your usual hiding spot. An intruder will always try to find the spare key so make sure to actually give it to the same person that will check your house during your absence.

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Blake Davies
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