Whether you're off to a sunny beach or a snowy mountain, leaving your home behind for vacation can bring a mix of excitement and worry. The last thing anyone wants is for their holiday to be ruined by a security issue back home.
But protecting your space doesn't have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful steps, you can significantly deter potential risks and fully enjoy your time away. Let's explore how to keep your home safe and sound while you're making memories elsewhere.
The Risks When Homes Are Left Empty
When a home sits empty, it becomes a target for several common threats. Burglaries are a primary concern, as an unoccupied house offers an easy opportunity for thieves. Package theft is also a frequent problem, as unattended deliveries signal that no one is home. Beyond theft, there are also dangers from within, such as fire hazards or burst pipes, which can cause significant damage if left unnoticed. An empty home cannot respond to these emergencies, allowing minor issues to become major disasters.
Criminals often target houses during peak holiday travel seasons because they know many people are away. A lack of activity, uncollected mail, and visible signs of a vacant property are clear invitations for those looking to exploit the situation.
Essential Holiday Safety Tips to Secure Your Home
Locking and Securing Entry Points
The first and most important of our holiday safety tips is ensuring all entry points are properly locked.
Before you leave, make a final check of every door, window, and the garage door. A simple oversight can create a significant security vulnerability. For enhanced security, consider upgrading your locks. Modern smart locks offer a level of protection and convenience that traditional locks cannot match. They provide remote access, real time monitoring, and advanced safety features.
A great option to consider is the DESLOC D110 Plus Smart Lock. Its key features are designed to give you peace of mind while you are away:
- Built-in Wi-Fi: It connects directly to your home network without needing a separate gateway. You can lock and unlock your door, and check its status from anywhere using your smartphone.
- Six in One Unlocking: Offers multiple ways to get in, including fingerprint, a keypad, the app, an IC card, physical keys, or even a voice assistant.
- Smart Display: A display on the lock shows the current status and battery level, so you always know what is going on.
- Advanced Safety Features: Includes an auto-lock function, a night mode, and an anti-hijacking alarm for added security.
- Easy Installation: Designed for a simple do it yourself setup with just a screwdriver.
Lighting and Visibility
Criminals prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.
One simple yet effective holiday safety tip is to make your home appear occupied. Install motion sensor lights around your property, especially near doors and windows. These lights will suddenly illuminate when someone approaches, startling a potential intruder and alerting neighbors.
Alternatively, you can use timed lights on a timer or smart system to turn indoor and outdoor lights on and off at regular intervals, mimicking your daily routine. This simple act creates the illusion of an active household. It is also important to eliminate any dark spots where someone could hide, such as shadowy areas by the side of the house or near the garage.
Smart Home Technology
Leveraging smart home technology is another one of our crucial holiday safety tips, giving you an extra layer of security and control.
Security cameras and video doorbells allow you to monitor your property from anywhere in the world using your smartphone. If a package is delivered or someone approaches your door, you can receive an instant notification and see live video footage. Modern systems also offer two way audio, allowing you to speak to visitors remotely. Likewise, smart alarms can alert you and the authorities if an intruder attempts to enter your home.
These remote monitoring tools provide constant vigilance and peace of mind, allowing you to receive instant alerts and stay updated on your home’s status no matter where you are.
Neighbor and Community Support
Even with the best technology, human oversight is invaluable and a cornerstone of safety over the holidays.
Before you leave, inform a trusted neighbor about your travel plans. Ask them to collect your mail, newspapers, and any packages left on your doorstep. This prevents the accumulation of items that signal an empty home.
A neighbor can also keep an eye on your property for any unusual activity. If your community has a neighborhood watch program, make sure they are aware of your absence. This collective vigilance creates a stronger barrier against crime and turns your entire street into a more secure place for everyone during the holidays.
Mail, Packages, and Deliveries
A full mailbox or a stack of packages on your doorstep is a clear sign that no one is home. To prevent this, you should hold your mail with the postal service. This free service ensures that all your mail and packages are held at the post office until you return.
Alternatively, you can use a package locker service or arrange for deliveries to be scheduled for when you are back. This keeps your porch clear and avoids attracting unwanted attention.
Avoid Broadcasting Travel Plans
Sharing your holiday excitement on social media is tempting, but posting real-time updates can be a major security risk. Announcing your departure and tagging your location while you're away essentially tells potential burglars that your home is empty.
Instead, wait until you are safely back home to share your travel photos and stories. This way, you can relive the memories without putting your property at risk.
Fire and Electrical Safety
Beyond the threat of theft, an empty home is also vulnerable to internal hazards. Before leaving, unplug non-essential electronics like toasters, coffee makers, and TVs. This reduces the risk of electrical fires and also helps save energy.
It's also a good idea to inspect your smoke detectors and ensure they have fresh batteries. A working smoke detector is crucial for alerting neighbors or the fire department to a potential fire, minimizing damage to your property.
Conclusion
Following these essential holiday safety tips can make all the difference in protecting your home while you are away. Securing your property with smart technology, allows you to truly relax and enjoy your vacation without constant worry. By making a few proactive changes, you can significantly reduce the risks of theft and other emergencies.
Your holiday should be a time for rest and new experiences, not for anxiety about what is happening at home. So, double check those locks, inform a trusted neighbor, and take advantage of modern security solutions. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your home remains safe and secure, waiting for you to return with wonderful memories.
To explore how a smart lock can enhance your home's security, visit the official DESLOC website. Find the perfect solution for your home and travel with confidence.
