How Can I Protect My Home While I’m on Vacation?

When it’s time to take a much-needed vacation, homeowners should be aware that summer is a prime time for burglars to take advantage of empty houses. For your peace of mind regarding the safety of your home while you’re gone, remember these tips before starting to pack your suitcase.

Nothing invites a burglar more than a home that looks empty. Timers can work like sentries when you’re away for a length of time. Set them to turn lights on at dusk, and consider setting a timer for a device that makes noise, like a television or radio. Set the light timers to go off and on at different times to make it look like people are moving around in the home. Make sure the lawn is mowed once every one to two weeks, and ask someone to park a car in your driveway at intervals while you are away.

Even with the lights on and television blaring, an overflowing mailbox is a sure sign of a vacationing family. If you’ll be gone for an extended period, visit the post office and ask them to put a hold on your mail. If your break will be shorter, for a week or long weekend, ask a neighbor to pick up the mail and do a quick interior inspection of your home. Don’t forget about the newspaper, either. If you get a daily or weekly paper, put it on hold until you return.

We are in a brave new world, and, in typical fashion, criminals have discovered how to leverage technology against the masses. At this point, we likely know not to announce vacation plans on Facebook, but don’t stop there. Avoid posting vacation pics on Instagram, Snapchat, or any other social media outlet. Even if you have privacy settings, you can’t control what other people respond to or like, and word can spread fast. Wait until you arrive back home to show your friends and family what fun you had. Make sure your socially engaged children are doing the same.

Of course, this doesn’t have to be literally, but make sure security measures are obvious to passersby. Strong locks, alarm signs on windows, and security cameras are all deterrents to home break-ins. If you never invested in cameras, purchase the fake ones that look realistic enough to give a burglar pause. Additionally, make sure your security company is aware you are leaving and test all windows and doors for proper alarm activation.

If you’re still holding onto the key hidden in the plastic rock, it’s time to up your game. In fact, any key hidden on your property is likely in a place a criminal has thought of before you. Your best course of action is to avoid leaving a key outside the home at all. Trust a spare to a friend or neighbor during the time you are gone, and consider that person your new Hide-a-Key.

Even when a family does everything by the book, occasionally their home will still be targeted. When you leave, prepare your most precious valuables for safekeeping. Wills, heirloom jewelry, deeds, and birth certificates, among other things, could be stored in a safety deposit box during your absence. Some things can’t be replaced, so a bit of extra care for them will make your traveling more peaceful.

Houston has its fair share of home break-ins, so take a few extra steps to ensure that your home is safe and protected while you are on vacation. Our practice hopes you have a summer full of adventure. Contact us with any legal questions regarding security.

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