Vacation Checklist for Home Security
Check These Items to Ensure the House is Safer While on Vacation
Aug 21, 2009
Between the laundry and the packing, vacations can be exhausting to prepare for. To really be ready for a worry-free vacation, homeowners need to complete a vacation checklist for home security. Some of the information below is basic common sense, but some is new resources which may not be well known, even among experienced homeowners.
Use the following vacation checklist to secure the home before leaving on vacation:
Notify Trusted Neighbors
Be specific about what mail, newspapers or garbage need to be taken care of and when. Ask trusted neighbors and guests to park in the driveway to give the home a lived-in look. As much as possible, keep the appearance of a normal schedule. Have the garbage can put out even if it is empty. Have trusted neighbors go inside the house to water plants. If it is an extended vacation of two or more weeks, ensure the lawn is mowed regularly.
Notify Police Department
Some cities have a vacation home check program where homeowners can submit a form to the police department in advance of the trip. The police department or volunteer neighborhood program will check up on the house periodically while the homeowner is on vacation, performing a walk-around to check windows and doors are secure, and perform a visual inspection of the property.
Set Automatic Timers
Install automatic timers for lights in windows visible from the street. Set the timers to match the household's normal operation. For example, set lights to come on in the morning during waking hours, and again for a period in the evening. Test the timers by setting them up a few days in advance of the departure date.
Install a Home Security System
Today's home security systems range from traditional sensor and central alarm systems, to integrated systems with digital video. Some digital video security systems offer the homeowner access to the video via a mobile hand held device such as a BlackBerry or iPhone. Homeowners can use an established alarm or video surveillance company, or choose from one of the many do-it-yourself products available online. Notify the alarm company of planned vacation dates.
Secure Garage Door and Openers
Unhook the electric garage door opener and manually lock it. As an additional security measure, remove any garage door openers from parked cars in front of the house.
New technology is evolving rapidly in the electronics industry and is allowing everyone more access to home safety solutions at a more reasonable price. A combination of new technology and basic common sense can help homeowners be smart when preparing to leave for vacation.
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