Out of Town? How to Keep Your Home Safe

At some point, you might have to travel and leave your home unattended for more than a couple of hours. Whether you are going for weeks on a business trip or want to travel out of state for a Thanksgiving dinner over the weekend, you can easily give your home an extra cushion of safety.

Here are five tips that can save you from needless worry when out of town.

1. Encourage Natural Surveillance 

Most of the time, burglars will strike where they are less likely to be detected. The idea here is to give the streets a good view of your property. This can be a reliable deterrent because thieves will not have a hidden escape route. Passersby are likely to alert the authorities if they notice suspicious activity around your property. 

2. Don't Leave Cues for Burglars

Some cues make it apparent that you are out of town. For instance, an opportunist thief will suspect you are not around if your doorstep has a big heap of newsletters or mail. 

You could ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your mail on a regular basis. Alternatively, just put your deliveries on hold temporarily. Be sure to also seek help carting your bins to the edge of your yard during trash pick-up days.

Generally, you should do what you feel gives your home the illusion of being occupied. It could even be something as simple as installing a TV timer that flickers colorful light patterns that can be seen through your layer of curtains.

3. Upgrade Your Door Locks

Technology around the locksmithing world has advanced tremendously over the past few years. Your good old-fashioned locks may work just fine but could also pose a security breach. This is more so the case when a burglar has plenty of time to attempt using different lock picking tools without interruption.

You should talk to a skilled locksmith about modern locks. Smart locks, in specific, are produced using state-of-the-art technology, making them harder to break. They come with a unique set of keys that allow you to unlock your doors using pin codes, biometrics, or a card. Some locks are even voice-activated!

4. Invest in Quality Surveillance Cameras

Surveillance and alarm systems can help prevent break-ins. When you install cameras around your property, you also provide material evidence to help solve any crime that happens during your absence.

Today, you can find numerous affordable yet effective surveillance systems. The best part is that you can link your cameras and alarms to your smartphone. Essentially, this gives you the power to keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world.

5. Install a Safe for Your Valuables

You have nothing to lose when you throw in an additional layer of protection and put your most valuable items in a safe. This will give you peace of mind as you know that a burglar will need more than just time and elbow grease to get to your essential documents and personal valuables.

Unfortunately, some safes are nothing more than a big metal box with a lock combination. You would be wise to rely on the skills of an experienced locksmith and to request a tested and well-reviewed personal vault.

Some of the most important aspects to consider before you purchase a vault include the locking mechanism and UL rating of a safe. In addition, don't forget to bolt the vault into the floor or wall to deter thieves and unauthorized persons further.

Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. is a leading locksmith company serving Houston and Southeast Texas. We offer all-encompassing security solutions, and you can count on us for 24/7 emergency services. Call us for your residential, commercial, or automotive locksmith needs, and let us help you find personalized security solutions.