For snowbirds who spend the winter months away from home, long absences can quietly increase the risk of problems back home. Empty houses are more vulnerable to break-ins, package theft, and unnoticed maintenance issues such as leaks or frozen pipes.
Fortunately, a few preventive home security tips and the right technology can save you from much trouble. This article shares ten practical home security tips to help you keep your home secure and well-maintained while you are busy enjoying your trip.
10 Home Security Tips
Here are ten top home security ideas that promise to take your home security to new heights:
1. Install a Smart Lock
For snowbirds, one of the most effective home security tips is to upgrade every entry door with a smart lock. Unlike traditional locks, a smart lock allows you to monitor and control access from anywhere, giving you peace of mind throughout your trip.
The DESLOC D110 Plus Smart Lock is especially well suited for homeowners seeking stronger protection during long trips. It allows you to check the lock status at any time and secure the door remotely if you forget before heading to the airport. The lock also sends instant tamper and intrusion alerts, so if anyone attempts to force the door or repeatedly guesses the wrong passcode, you’ll know immediately and can react before anything escalates.
Another major security advantage is its temporary passcode system. Instead of handing out physical keys—which can be copied, lost, or misused—you can create time-limited codes for trusted neighbors or service providers. These codes only work during the window you set, keeping access tightly controlled even when you’re far from home.
2. Use Smart Lighting
An empty home that follows the same lighting schedule every night is a clear sign for intruders that no one is around. Instead of using fixed timers, choose smart lighting systems that can mimic natural household activity while you are away.
Smart lighting lets you create realistic lighting patterns throughout the house, switching lights on and off at irregular intervals. This gives the impression that someone is home.
You can also link the system with your smartphone for full control, adjusting brightness or schedules anytime from anywhere.
3. Add Window and Door Sensors
Windows and side doors are common entry points that intruders often target, especially when a house is unoccupied for weeks or months. Adding window and door sensors helps you detect any unauthorized access instantly.
These sensors alert you the moment a door or window is opened or tampered with, allowing you to respond right away or notify a trusted contact nearby. These sensors are small, discreet, and simple to install, yet they take your home security to new heights.
Choose models that send real-time mobile alerts and integrate with your preferred smart home system, so they respond to different home automations.
4. Pause or Redirect Mail
When letters and newspapers start piling up at the door, it quietly tells everyone the house is unattended. Before you leave, make sure to pause or redirect deliveries. Here are some practical steps in this regard:
- Set a mail hold with your local postal service for the full duration of your trip.
- Redirect important letters or packages to your winter address or a trusted friend.
- Use parcel lockers or in-store pickup to avoid doorstep deliveries.
- Suspend newspaper and flyer deliveries before leaving.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to check occasionally and remove anything left at your door.
5. Install Security Cameras
Security cameras give you an easy way to monitor your home while you are away for the season. Here are some important camera home safety tips in this regard:
- Choose cameras with remote live view and cloud storage for video clips.
- Place them near main entrances, driveways, and backyards for full coverage.
- Pick models with motion detection and night vision for around-the-clock monitoring.
- Use mobile notifications so you are alerted to any movement instantly.
- Test the cameras before leaving to ensure angles and connectivity are reliable.
Visible cameras also act as a strong deterrent, making it clear your property is being watched.
6. Check Heating Systems and Pipes
Cold weather can cause serious damage if heating systems fail or pipes freeze while you are away.
Before leaving for the season, it is wise to check your heating system and plumbing carefully. Arrange a professional inspection for your furnace or boiler to confirm that it is running efficiently and safely.
Set your thermostat to a steady temperature of around 55°F, or 13°C, to prevent pipes from freezing during cold spells.
Insulate any exposed pipes in basements, attics, or along outer walls, and consider installing smart temperature sensors that alert you if the indoor temperature drops too low.
It is also a good approach to leave cabinet doors under sinks slightly open so warm air can circulate around the plumbing. These simple measures keep your home’s heating stable and your pipes safe while you are away.
7. Arrange Snow or Lawn Maintenance
An unattended home quickly stands out when the driveway is covered in snow or the lawn becomes overgrown. Before leaving for your winter destination, arrange for someone to manage routine outdoor upkeep so your property always looks active.
Hire a local service or ask the neighbor to clear snow from walkways, shovel the driveway, and remove ice from entry paths. In warmer regions, set up lawn care to keep grass trimmed and leaves collected.
8. Install Leak Sensors
Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems that can happen while a home sits empty. A small leak can remain unnoticed for days or weeks, leading to mold, warped floors, and expensive repairs.
Installing leak sensors in key areas helps you catch issues early before they turn into disasters.
Place sensors under sinks, near washing machines, water heaters, and in the basement. These compact devices detect moisture and send instant alerts to your phone.
Some models can even shut off the main water supply automatically, preventing further damage.
9. Unplug Non-Essential Electronics
Before heading out, unplug all devices that don’t need to stay on. Disconnecting items like TVs, microwaves, and coffee makers saves energy and prevents potential power surges.
Keep only essentials such as the refrigerator and security systems plugged in. This quick step reduces risk and keeps your home safer while you are away.
10. Have a Trusted Local Contact
Choose someone nearby who can check on your home occasionally during your absence. A trusted neighbor or friend can collect mail, inspect for leaks, and ensure everything looks normal after storms or snowfalls.
Provide them with your contact details, trip dates, and any service schedules for maintenance visits.
If you use a DESLOC D110 Plus Smart Lock, you can give them a temporary access code instead of a spare key and revoke it anytime from your phone. Having a reliable local contact keeps your home under watch and gives you confidence that help is close if something unexpected happens.
Wrapping-Up
By following all these home security tips, you can keep your home safe and secure while enjoying your time away. From installing smart locks and cameras to setting up leak sensors and maintenance checks, every step helps prevent unwanted surprises.
