5 Security Tips To Protect Your Home While On Vacation

Summertime is synonymous with backyard barbecues, pool parties and family fun, but one of the most exciting things about the warmer months is going away on vacation. As things start to heat up, many Virginia families will head south to soak up the sun and north to beat the heat, but there are several security precautions to consider before leaving on a vacation. Our team at Structured Cable of VA found these great tips for protecting your home while on vacation. Take a look!

Article by: Sarah Simmons

Everyone loves to take a vacation, it's a time to get away from it all, relax, and do something you really enjoy. But many times when people plan out their vacations, they forget the most important thing when leaving their home, and that is protecting their home against burglars while they are gone. When was the last time you thought about hidden security cameras or 24-hour surveillance? In this article we'll cue you in to 5 easy tips to help you upgrade your home security while you're out on your next vacation. We'll start with security cameras.

Home Security Tip 1: Security Cameras and Dedicated Alarm Systems

The first and perhaps most robust defense your home can have against would-be burglars is a strong home security system set-up, including security cameras, closed-circuit video, and a dedicated alarm system. A hidden camera, or preferably multiple hidden cameras provide peace of mind when you're away because now your home can be monitored by you live over the internet, or by any number of contracted security firms. Outdoor cameras can also go a long way in deterrence if placed in visible but hard to reach locations, these security cameras make would-be thieves think twice about entering your home. Many alarm systems are capable of being networked with motion detectors, temperature sensors, and security cameras to allow unprecedented coverage and allow for 24-7 emergency response.

Home Security Tip 2: Conceal Your Valuables

Even if homeowners do not install security cameras or a dedicated alarm system, homeowners don't realize that the most affordable form of burglary deterrence is valuables concealment. If a thief is "casing" your home while you are not there to ascertain what valuables are worth taking, if he does not see anything of value, then he is much more likely to never risk entering your home. Common valuables that homeowners unintentionally leave out in plain sight include high-end consumer electronics, laptops and computers, tools, expensive kitchen wares, collectibles, and jewelry. If an item is unable to be concealed, then a strategic security camera placement may prove both a deterrent and a form of evidence in case of a burglary.

Home Security Tip 3: Add Light Timers

Light timers make it appear that someone is home while you are away from home. They should be strategically placed, and on different circuits on different time frames to make the lighting patterns seem more natural. A clever use of a light timer may include the automatic switching on appliances or other gadgets attached to the same circuit. When used in conjunction with security cameras, this is a combination that can't be beat!

Home Security Tip 4: Don't Announce Your Vacation on Social Media

Nothing could be worse than setting up your home with security cameras, light timers, and concealment of your valuables, only to announce to the world that you will be leaving for the Maldives for a month. Web-savvy thieves may befriend you through any matter of social media, or worse, follow you on Twitter which does not even require permissions for followers. Never share your vacation plans except with people you trust, and never on a public forum such as social media.

Home Security Tip 5: Let A Few Trustworthy Neighbors Know You Are Gone

Alerting trustworthy neighbors to your vacation means enacting a virtual neighborhood watch to protect your home in conjunction with security cameras, light timers, and concealing your valuables. Neighbors can keep an eye out for suspicious persons or vehicles, and report those incidents to the police.

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