An unoccupied home is often considered an easy target for theft, vandalism, and other illegal activities. Fortunately, with modern security technology, this no longer has to be the case, even if you’re away on an extended vacation across the country.

Today’s home security is advanced and extremely affordable, allowing you to equip your home to virtually protect itself when you’re away.

This article discusses some of the best ways you can secure your home using simple security practices and technology.

Simple Security Best Practices to Live By

1. Have Someone Check on Your House

If you are going to be away from home, it’s always a good idea to have a trusted family member or neighbor keep an eye on your home while you’re away.

2. Set Light Timers

Installing smart lighting technology and setting timers for your lights to automatically come on and off helps make it appear as if someone is, in fact, home and will help deter criminals.

3. Avoid Advertising That You Aren’t Home

One of the worst things you can do when leaving your home unattended is advertising it. Posting about your vacation on social media makes your home the perfect target by letting criminals know you are away.

4. Secure Your Valuables

If you have visible valuables in or around your home, consider investing in a safe and doing your best to secure any items that could be a target for theft. Keeping valuables out of site will help reduce risks.

5. Lock Everything

Before you leave your home, be sure to double-check every single lock to ensure maximum front-line security. You’ll want to ensure you have secured every possible entry point; that means windows, doors, gates, shed entrances, and even your garage door.

Invest in Reliable Security Technology & Services

1. Install Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lighting is a great way to deter criminals who attempt to enter your property by alerting anyone around if the trespassers come within range.

2. Install a Smart Security System

Installing a smart security system is one of the best ways to protect your home from criminal activity. Most of today’s security technology allows you to monitor your home from your smartphone. Security systems can also quickly alert police of a security breach, sound an alarm, and send reinforcements to your home.

3. Tip off Your Security Company

If you have a security system in place, be sure to contact your security provider before leaving your home to ensure your systems are up and running as they should be. Depending on your provider, you may also have other options like paying for a monitoring service while you are away.

4. Clearly Display Security Signage

Clearly visible security signage indicating that your home is thoroughly secured is a great way to deter criminals from even attempting to enter or vandalize your home.

5. Limit Access to Your Home

Although it is a great idea to designate a trusted individual to check up on your home when you are away, it really is best to limit the amount of access you allow into your home. Giving multiple individuals access to your home increases the chances of human error, which could lead to entrances left unsecured and alarm systems mistakenly left disarmed.

Secure Your Home & Your Peace of Mind

Being proactive in securing your property is the best way to ensure your safety and security at all times.

Being a homeowner is a wonderful experience, but with such an asset comes a lot of responsibility.

Don’t risk your safety and security; take the necessary steps to start protecting your home today!