Spring break is here, and after the past two years being backyard bound, many of us are headed for some fun in the sun. In the best case, your home is well-protected with a security alarm and camera, but regardless, don’t forget to employ these three simple steps before grabbing your bags and hitting the road.
- Make It Look Like Someone Is Home. You may be lying poolside in Hawaii, but potential burglars don’t need to know that. Set your timers and smart appliances to turn on at various times. Have a friend park in your driveway and set your widow coverings as you normally would. Ask a neighbor to check your doorstep for any forgotten/delayed deliveries that may occur while you are gone.
- Resist The Urge To Share: It is so tempting to post that pic beachside with your besties, but that social share is also an advertisement that your home may be empty. Ideally, it is best to wait until you get home to share the fun, but if you cannot resist the urge, make sure you turn off the geotagging feature on your phone and consider posting to “friends only” on social media.
- Remove The Key. Even with smart locks, most of us have a hidden, possibly long forgotten backup key tucked away somewhere. Even if we think its the perfect spot, a well-seasoned criminal knows all the best hiding places. To be safe, give your spare to a neighbor for those “just in case” scenarios that might arise while you are gone.
A few extra steps will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is well secured so you can enjoy your well-deserved vacation.
