How to Keep your Home Safe and Secure While you are Away

Away on vacation with family to sunny beaches? Another country with amazing views? or maybe just a quiet solo getaway downtown? Amidst this excitement, a little nagging worry can keep intruding your thoughts ‘Is my home safe?’ Don’t let that anxiety steal your joy! Let’s chat about how to keep your home safe and secure in your absence so you can relax and truly enjoy your time away.

Don’t Advertise Your Absence

First things first, let’s talk about social media. We all love sharing the tiniest thoughts that crosses our minds online. Some of us even go as far as updating internet strangers about every activity we are up to. However, there are lines we shouldn’t cross. Announcing you are away from home to the world is like sending an open invitation to unwanted guests. Resist the urge to post real-time updates. Instead, save those stunning sunset photos for when you’re back home. Trust me, your friends will still be impressed, and your peace of mind will be intact. Most importantly, you are able to keep your home safe and secure.

Create the Illusion of Occupancy

Here’s where a little bit of clever trickery comes in handy. You want to create the illusion that someone’s home, even when it’s just your goldfish and your houseplants. If you have seen home alone, you should have an idea of what we mean. Only that this time, no one’s actually home.

To do this, you can invest in some simple plug-in timers for your lights. Set them to turn on and off at realistic times, mimicking your usual routine. A lamp in the living room, a hallway light, maybe even a TV soundbar on a low volume setting. If you’re willing to do more, smart home systems take this to the next level. You can control lights and even simulate someone watching TV from your phone. Some systems even have motion sensors that trigger lights or cameras.  

Lastly, ensure your exterior lights are working and well-lit. Consider motion-activated lights for added security. They’re a great deterrent for anyone lurking around.

Double Check your Doors and Windows

It sounds cliché, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to lock a back door or shut a window when leaving the house. Because of this reason, always double check. Additionally, consider installing stronger door locks, security bars on sliding doors, and reinforced window frames. A simple deadbolt can make a big difference.

Lastly. enforce this habit not only when you’ll be away for days but also when you are away from your home even for a few minutes.

Have your Neighbors and Trusted Contacts Keep Watch

There’s really nothing quite like a good neighbor. If you have one, ask them to keep an eye on things. Let them know you’ll be away, when you will return and give them your contact information. Ask them to help pick up any doorstep delivery that may accumulate, as these are telltale signs of an empty house.

Apart from your neighbors, you can give a spare key to a trusted family member or friend Just in case something happens. It’s always good to have someone you trust who can access your home.

To make things easier, you can create a temporary safety circle consisting of your neighbors, family member or friend using Stoncecircle to share updates while you are away.

Hide Your Valuables

You want to come back to your home the way you left it. Also, you want to share details of your vacation and not a sad tale of your valuables being carted away. But let’s be real, if someone does manage to break in, you want to minimize their potential gains.

To prevent this, keep jewelry, electronics, and important documents in a safe or a hidden location. Additionally, take photos or videos of your valuable possessions and keep a record of serial numbers. This will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

Have your Eyes and Ears Everywhere

In this age and time, technology is one of your best friends that comes through. You can literally have your eyes and ears everywhere by installing a security system. A monitored alarm system can provide peace of mind and deter potential intruders. Many systems offer features like motion sensors, door/window sensors, and even fire and carbon monoxide detection.  Also, outdoor and indoor smart cameras can allow you to monitor your home remotely from your phone.  

Looking to play smarter? Even a fake camera can do a great job! Simply the spotting it can be enough to make a potential intruder move on.  

Final Thoughts: Relax and Enjoy!

Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy your vacation without worrying about your home. By taking these precautions, you can create a safe and secure environment, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your adventures. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way.

Looking to unwind away from home soon? Note and act on the above tips to keep your home safe and secure, create your safety circle with StoneCircle and have a safe travel!