How to Beef Up Your Home Security While Away?

We’ve all heard many horror stories about families returning from long vacations only to find their house broken into in their absence. While empty homes are vulnerable to several threats, home burglaries are among the top ones that impact homeowners in the US, according to the FBI.

Estimates claim that a break-in occurs nearly every 30 seconds, but there are many steps you can take to prep your house for safety to ensure you can truly relax when you’re away on a trip. Some require a little forethought and investment, but putting in a few extra safety measures will save you from major headaches down the road.

#1- Professionally Monitored Smart Security Systems

Smart security systems with window and door sensors are the first line of defense against burglary. Some systems allow homeowners to self-monitor, but the task should be left in competent hands, especially if you’re going out of town. When you’re hundreds of miles away, late alerts on your phone because of unreliable data network coverage won’t do you much good. Camera monitoring services by a professional security agency will offer an extra layer of protection and instantly alert the authorities if they suspect a breach.  

#2- Electronics with Timer

No matter how far away you may be, you can keep setting a timer for lamps, lights, and TV. Timers are available at local grocery and hardware stores, or you can even order them online. Place them in the regular sockets, plug the electronics in, and set the timer to tell each appliance when to turn on. Electric timers are also available with random setting options to give a more natural, inhibited feel. You can also consider adding motion-sensitive outdoor lights to enhance the night-time aesthetic and deter potential intruders.

#3- Remove the ‘Hidden’ Extra Key

Hiding spare keys is fairly common but not an intelligent approach when it comes to amping up the security of your home while you’re away. Most burglars know the age-old trick, so hiding the house key, even in the most creative places, will simply increase your home’s vulnerability. Instead, investing in a lockbox or switching to a smart lock is a safer alternative.

#4- Don’t Publicly Indicate Your Plans of Being Away

While it is tempting to share your vacation plans with everyone, avoid posting photos at the moment or putting anything on your answering machine, voicemail, social media, or email auto-reply. Once you’re back home, you can share as many wonderful photos of your adventure as possible. If you still want to post live videos and images, ensure your privacy settings allow only people you know to see your whereabouts. Try avoiding putting down anything indicating the exact days you’ll be gone.

#5- Have Someone Reliable Keep an Eye on Your Home

Ask your family, friends, or a trusted neighbor to drop into your home regularly to ensure everything is in order. Ensure they can attend every few days and instruct them to check all windows, doors, and other entrances. If you don’t have anyone reliable in town or want to ensure your home is protected comprehensively, hire patrol services from HSPS Special Operations.

Our security officers will patrol your home at regular intervals and keep an eye on all suspicious activities while you’re away. We offer a range of customized security solutions that allow you to choose the best options that suit your budget and security requirements.

Book a consultation to learn about adding camera monitoring services, security patrol services, alarm response security, and tip line services to your vacation check package. We also offer many other professional security guard services in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For any further queries, give us a call!