Traveling is a thrilling experience, but it can also make your home more vulnerable to break-ins. If you’re going on a trip to Africa, India, or even for the first time to Finland, you need to prepare your property to ensure it’s secure while you’re away. A break-in can cause a lot of damage, and the aftermath can ruin your vacation. So, what can you do to protect your home while you’re away? Here’s expert advice from a locksmith on securing your home before you travel.
Lock Up All Entry Points
The most important step in securing your home is making sure that all entry points are properly locked. This means checking all doors, windows, gates, and any other areas that someone could use to break into your home.
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Doors: Ensure all exterior doors are solid and equipped with high-quality locks. Deadbolts should always be used, as they provide an extra layer of security. If your doors are old or flimsy, consider upgrading to a more secure door.
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Windows: Many break-ins happen through unlocked windows. Even if you’re on the ground floor, always make sure windows are locked before leaving. For extra security, you can install window locks or even security bars if you’re in an area prone to break-ins.
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Gates: Don’t forget about gates. If you have a backyard, check the gates to ensure they are securely locked. Gates that are easily opened provide a quick entry point for burglars.
Use a Timer for Lights
Leaving your home in complete darkness can signal to potential intruders that you’re not home. One way to make it look like you’re still around is by using a timer for your lights. You can set them to turn on and off at certain times of the day, giving the illusion that someone is home.
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Smart Lighting: If you have smart lights, you can control them remotely using your smartphone. This allows you to set specific times or change lighting settings while you’re away.
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Timers: If you don’t have smart lights, simply use a basic timer to control your lamps. Set it to turn on in the evening and off at night, mimicking your usual schedule.
Don’t Announce Your Travel Plans
It’s tempting to share your travel excitement on social media, but doing so could compromise your home’s security. Posting about your trip while you’re away can serve as an open invitation for burglars to target your house. You never know who might see your updates and use the information to plan a break-in. Additionally, if mail or packages start piling up outside your door, it’s an obvious sign that no one is home. To avoid this, arrange for someone to pick up your mail and deliveries while you’re gone.
Secure Your Valuables
Before you leave for your trip, take the time to secure your valuable items. If a burglar does manage to get inside your home, you want to make it as difficult as possible for them to steal anything of value. A safe is an excellent choice for storing important documents, jewelry, and other valuables, and it should be bolted to the floor or hidden in a secure location. Avoid leaving valuables out in the open, where they can easily be grabbed. If you don’t have a safe, consider hiding your items in inconspicuous places, making sure they are not in obvious spots that burglars are likely to check, such as under the bed or in a closet.
Invest in a Home Security System
A home security system can be a great way to add an extra layer of protection. Modern systems often include cameras, motion sensors, and alarms that will alert you or the authorities if there’s suspicious activity around your home.
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Cameras: Security cameras are a great deterrent for burglars. Visible cameras let potential intruders know that your home is being monitored. If you opt for cameras, make sure they cover all entry points, like doors and windows.
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Motion Sensors: Motion sensor lights around the outside of your home can deter burglars by shining a spotlight on them if they get too close. Motion sensors inside your home can also detect movement, triggering an alarm if someone enters.
Contact a Locksmith Service in Your Area
If you’re unsure about the security of your home or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact a locksmith service near me. A professional locksmith can help assess the security of your home, upgrade your locks, and recommend additional measures to keep your property safe while you’re away.
Whether you need a new deadbolt installed, a high-security lock added, or advice on the best smart lock system, locksmiths can provide valuable assistance. They have the expertise to identify weak points in your home’s security and offer solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Sarah D., a client who received service from LocksmithsLocator, shared her experience: “I was going away for a two-week vacation, and I wanted to make sure my house was safe while I was gone. I contacted LocksmithsLocator, and they came to my home to assess my locks. They recommended stronger locks for my front and back doors and even installed a smart lock that I can control from my phone. It gave me peace of mind while traveling, knowing that my home was secure. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to improve their home security.”
Conclusion
Securing your home before you travel should always be a priority. By following these expert locksmith tips—locking all entry points, using timers for lights, keeping your travel plans private, securing your valuables, and investing in a security system—you can rest assured that your home will be safe while you’re away. Don’t forget to contact a locksmith service near you for a professional assessment of your home’s security. With a little planning, you can protect your home and have a worry-free trip.