Keeping Your Home Safe While Away
We are now in the middle of summer and you might be packing your bags and leaving home for a week or two...or longer. You could be getting ready for that needed time by the beach. Or you might be seeking a safe socially distanced escape during our current health crisis. While you get ready to leave your home for an extended trip, one thing that should be at the front-and-center of your mind is security.
Nothing would erase all the relaxing psychological benefits of a trip away more than returning to a home that has been burglarized or damaged. The FBI reports that a burglary occurs every 25.7 seconds in the United States. A report from Jackson State University reveals that home burglaries are especially common during July and August, with these summer months typically seeing a 70 percent spike in these crimes.
What are ways to ensure your home and possessions remain safe while you’re traveling? Consumer Reports outlines some helpful steps for securing your home:
• Get a lock. They suggest getting heavy-duty deadbolt door locks. No matter what type of lock you install, you want one that won’t be easily kicked in, knocked off, picked or drilled.
• Keep windows secure. Make sure to lock your windows before leaving. This one is self-explanatory. An open window or one that isn’t locked and able to be easily pried open is a sure way your home will be invaded while you’re away.
• Look occupied. Don’t make your home look deserted. Leave some tools out in your yard. Ask a neighbor to pick up packages or mail that might overflow in your mailbox. Do whatever you can to make it appear you are still at home.
• Inspect your home. Before you leave, check that your cellar door is shut, that there is no entry point through a garage door that might be accessible and check those windows. You don’t want to go through the effort of buying a lock and staging your home as if it is occupied only to forget that you left the back door wide open.
• Get a security system. Last but not least, you should consider investing in a security system for your home. A security system is a sure way you can know your home is protected. If this is a step too far, Consumer Reports suggests even putting out security signs that can give the impression you have a security system on the premises. Do whatever you can to deter potential burglars.
