Easy Ways to Protect Your Home While on Vacation

Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. • June 28, 2018

Family Going Starting a Vacation — Houston, TX — Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc.

Your home is the last thing you want to worry about while on vacation. Summer is a popular time for vacations, and burglars know this! Reduce the chance of a burglary or accident happening while you are away by following these simple steps.

Home Protection Strategies for Families on Vacation

The first points of entry into your house are the windows and doors. This may sound like common sense, but double-check that they are locked before you leave for vacation. For additional security, be sure to:

Have a security system that includes cameras and alarms. Most security systems nowadays have the option for you to get instant mobile alerts in addition to the police being notified.
Keep fire alarms up to date. Your fire alarms should be in working condition year-round, but it is especially important to have them commissioned before you leave town as a failsafe in case of a fire.
Install external security lighting. Low-cost, permanent outdoor lighting systems are readily available online or at your local hardware store. The best thing about these is you can set them to an automatic timer so they go on and off at specified times, making it appear that someone is home.
Remove the hideaway key. You can’t forget your key when you’re not home to use it. Taking your hideaway key with you or giving it to a friend is a good way to prevent a burglar from walking through your front door.
Advertise your security. Since you are utilizing a security system, let people know! Post a sign in your front yard declaring your home is protected by a security system or place similar stickers on doors and windows.

Create the Illusion of Someone Being Home

Burglars are less likely to break in if they think someone is home. Some easy ways to make your home appear occupied are:

Set up automatic timers. These nifty devices aren’t exclusive to your outdoor lights. Program a couple indoor lights to turn on and off at different intervals to make it appear that there’s life and movement in your home. This is also possible to do with TVs and radios to create noise.
Put a hold on your mail. Whether it’s on your front doorstep or in the mailbox, nothing gives away absence like a huge pile of mail. You can go to the post office and put a hold on your mail if you plan on being gone for more than a few days, or you can ask a good friend or neighbor to collect it while you’re gone.
Pause your local paper delivery. This follows the same logic as your mail. If you have newspapers piled in your driveway from days past, it’s obvious that you aren’t home.
Keep your lawn manicured. An overgrown yard is a telltale sign that no one is home. Have a gardener or friend mow it once a week.

Protect Your Valuables

If someone does break into your house, you want to make sure your valuables are safe. Lock up jewelry, the deed to your home, birth certificates and other valuable documents in a fire-proof safe. If you have cash hidden away in your home in case of an emergency, put it in the bank or a safe while on vacation.

Trust a Friend

A good friend can be your best asset while on vacation. They can check on your house and serve as an emergency contact.

Smart Tips

Do not announce your vacation dates on Facebook or Twitter. Although you may think you are only sharing to your friends, privacy settings are not foolproof. Be sure to stay on the safe side and don’t overshare about your trip. Wait until you are back in town to post all the amazing photos!
Be smart about your electricity. You should turn the thermostat to at least 85 degrees to save on electricity while you’re gone. You also have the option to lower the temperature on your water heater.
Unplug all unnecessary appliances. This protects your home from an electrical fire or power surge. Check all electronics, from your TVs to small kitchenware.

Alert Your Alarm Company

Let the company monitoring your home security system know that you are planning on being gone! They will be an extra set of eyes watching your home.

Trust Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. with Your Home

Burglars are criminals of convenience, which is why it is so important to take precautionary steps when securing your home before vacation. With cutting-edge security solutions and traditional locksmith services, Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. has the knowledge and expertise to give you the peace of mind you’re looking for. Call (713) 643-5767 or fill out the form on our website to receive a fast price quote.

Number	First Name	Last Name	Email Address
1	Anne	Evans	anne.evans@mail.com
2	Bill	Fernandez	bill.fernandez@mail.com
3	Candice	Gates	candice.gates@mail.com
4	Dave	Hill	dave.hill@mail.com

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