Taking a week’s vacation or going on a last minute three day weekend getaway are some of the perks that summer time has to offer. Before heading off to your beach paradise, make sure you take precautions to ensure the safety of your home while you’re away.
Porch light timerSetup a timer for both the front and back door of your home. If you have walkway lights, set those on a timer as well if possible. Now that the days are longer, you don’t have to have the timer set until 9 p.m. Set the timer to turn off at 11 p.m. – this makes it appear that someone is at home. Burglars or those looking for mischief are less likely to break into a home when they are properly lit up.
Window air conditioning unitIf you have window air conditioning units in your home, take them out if you are going away for any longer than three days. Even if your air conditioning unit has all of the control features, it is still possible someone could manage to work it free and gain easy access to your home. Consider installing a window alarm if you’d prefer to leave the air conditioning unit in the window while you’re away.
Home securityEven if you don’t have a home security system, you can easily purchase false decals online. Place some stickers on your windows or place a security sign in your yard. Even if it only appears that your home is secure, those looking to rob the homes of families away on vacation will prevent your home from being a target.
MailIf you don’t have close friends or family nearby that can get the mail from your mailbox daily, call the post office and have your mail temporarily stopped while you’re gone. An over flowing mailbox allows the mailman and everyone else in your neighborhood to know that you’re away.