Your getaway is booked, suitcases packed, and you’re ready for a well-deserved break. But have you double-checked that your home will be safe while you’re gone? Nothing ruins a well-deserved vacation like the realization that a break-in has occurred. This post will share thirteen expert ways to keep your home secure during your next spring break.
13 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe During Spring Break
- Invest in a Home Security System
- Keep Your Travel Plans Off Social Media
- Ask a Neighbor to Keep an Eye Out
- Hold Your Mail
- Use Timers for Lights
- Lock All Doors and Windows (with Smart Locks and Window Sensors)
- Don’t Leave Spare Keys Outside
- Trim Bushes and Trees Near Windows
- Secure Air Conditioning Units
- Install Motion Sensor Lights
- Unplug Electronics
- Turn Off Your Water Main
- Use a Safe
The Frightening Figures: When Vacations Become Vulnerabilities
Statistically, the risks associated with home burglaries spike during popular vacation periods such as spring break. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, nearly 2.5 million burglaries occur annually in the United States, with a significant spike in residential break-ins during vacation times like spring break. The numbers are not just concerning; they’re a stark reminder of the need for home security measures.
To keep your home safe while you’re away, you first need to understand the more common methods that thieves use to break into your home:
- Forced Entry
- Unlocked Doors and Windows
- Spare Keys
- Service Worker Impersonation
- Garage Door Entry
- Sliding Glass Doors: These can often be jimmied open or even lifted off their tracks.
- Ladder Access to Upper Floor Windows/Doors
- Basement Entries
Now that you know how a criminal may break into your house, it’s time to learn how to prevent being a victim while enjoying your vacation.
13 Steps to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away on Spring Break
These simple yet effective strategies will provide peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your well-deserved vacation fully. We’ve got you covered, from investing in a home security system to clever tricks that give the illusion your house isn’t empty.
Invest in a Home Security System
A home security system serves as the first line of defense against potential intruders. This can range from a comprehensive system with alarms, motion detectors, and door/window sensors to an even more advanced setup that involves a few well-placed security cameras. Not only does a visible security system act as a deterrent for would-be burglars, but it also provides an added layer of protection for your property, possessions, and personal safety.
Keep Your Travel Plans Off Social Media
It’s crucial to be mindful of the vacation information you share and with whom. Oversharing your travel itinerary or posting real-time updates during your vacation can expose your empty home to unnecessary risk. Instead, consider waiting until you return home before posting your vacation photos. This way, you can still share your experiences with friends and family without compromising your home’s security.
Ask a Neighbor to Keep an Eye Out
When trusted neighbors know you’re away, they can be more alert to unusual activity around your home. This could include unfamiliar vehicles, suspicious individuals, or unexpected deliveries. They can also help maintain the appearance of occupancy by collecting mail, moving bins, or occasionally parking their car in your driveway. Remember to show your gratitude for their assistance – a small thank-you gift or reciprocating the favor when they’re away can go a long way in strengthening neighborhood ties and ensuring ongoing vigilance.
Hold Your Mail
A full mailbox is a clear sign that no one’s home. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a convenient service for those out of town or unable to receive their mail for a certain period. This service, known as Hold Mail, allows you to pause mail delivery to your address for 3 to 30 days. This service is free and can be requested online, making it an easy and user-friendly option for managing your mail when you’re not at home.
Use Timers for Lights
Using light timers can be an effective method to deter potential burglars when you’re away from home. These devices can turn your lights on and off at set times, creating an illusion that the house is occupied. This can significantly reduce the chances of a break-in, as many burglars prefer to target vacant homes.
Lock All Doors and Windows (with Smart Locks and Window Sensors)
Smart locks and window sensors have taken home security to a new level. Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely using a smartphone app, giving you peace of mind even if you forget to lock a door in your hurry to leave. Similarly, window sensors alert you when a window is opened or closed, providing an extra layer of security. CPI smart locks and sensors even integrate with your CPI home security systems, enabling you and our expert team to monitor your home in real-time and receive immediate alerts in case of any suspicious activity.
Don’t Leave Spare Keys Outside
The traditional practice of hiding a spare key ‘just in case’ is akin to handing an invite to your home’s invaders. Ditch the prominent places and opt for alternatives, like a trusted friend or relative.
Trim Bushes and Trees Near Windows
Maintaining the landscape around your home and explicitly trimming bushes and trees near windows can significantly enhance your home’s security. Overgrown bushes and trees can provide potential burglars with hiding spots, making it easier to attempt a break-in without being noticed. By keeping these areas well-trimmed and clear, you can remove these potential hiding places and increase the visibility of your home’s exterior.
Secure Air Conditioning Units
Air conditioning units, particularly those installed in windows, can become potential entry points for burglars if not appropriately secured. It’s crucial to ensure that these units cannot be easily removed to gain access to your home. One effective way to secure window air conditioner units is by mounting them securely and extending the accordion panels. Installing flaps, brackets, and braces and adding a window lock can further enhance the security of these units. Some homeowners also opt for security packs that interlock with the window air conditioner and sill, creating a single, stable, and secure unit.
Install Motion Sensor Lights
Installing motion sensor lights is an effective way to enhance your home’s security. These lights can deter potential burglars by illuminating dark areas around your house when movement is detected. The sudden brightness not only startles intruders but also makes them visible to you, your neighbors, or security cameras, reducing their chances of successfully breaking into your home unnoticed.
Unplug Electronics
Besides the financial and environmental benefits, unplugging electronics can also enhance safety in your home. Devices left plugged in can pose a fire risk, especially if you’re not at home to keep an eye out for any risks. Unplugging reduces the chance of electrical fires and protects your appliances from power surges that could damage their internal components while you’re on vacation.
Turn Off Your Water Main
Turning off the water main while you’re away on spring break or any extended vacation is a practical preventative measure to protect your home. This action safeguards your property from potential flooding caused by a burst pipe or other plumbing failures. Furthermore, turning off the water main can prevent leaks spontaneously occurring while you’re away, potentially saving you from unexpected and possibly massive repair costs. With CPI’s Smart Water Shut-Off Valve, you can remotely shut off the water or automatically shut the water off when water is detected by a CPI water sensor.
Use a Safe
Using a safe is a reliable way to protect your valuable items, important documents, and sentimental keepsakes while you’re on break. It provides an extra layer of security in your home or office against theft, fire, or natural disasters. Bonus Tip: Bolt your safe to the ground, so burglars don’t get away with your safe, whole.
The Conclusion: Don’t Leave Your Home’s Safety Up to Chance!
Don’t let burglars ruin your much-needed vacation. Take the necessary measures to protect your home and its contents while away. Remember, investing in home security is an investment in peace of mind, ensuring your time off is worry-free. So enjoy your Spring Break getaway; confident that your fortress back home stands strong!
A Trusted System While You’re Away: CPI Home Security
Our CPI Home Security System provides a suite of features designed to defend, inform, and reassure:
- 24/7 Monitoring: Our trained experts are always on the alert for any signs of intrusion.
- Remote Access: Stay connected with your home, wherever you are, with secure remote access.
- Instant Alerts: Receive immediate notifications, and rest assured that our team will react with precision and speed.
- Professional Installation: Avoid any DIY mishaps with our skilled technicians, ensuring your system is set up for maximum protection.
Your home isn’t just an asset—it’s the sanctuary of your memories and a harbor for those you cherish. As Spring Break approaches, it’s time to take the safety of your home as seriously as you do the joy of your vacations.
Learn more about how a CPI Home Security System can protect your home while you’re away.
