Ensure your home is secure while you’re away on vacation or any other kind of trip!
With Memorial Day coming up, summer vacation season officially begins. Taking the time to head out on a family trip? There’s so much to plan – from where to go and stay, what to see, packing, and more – it’s easy to overlook securing your home. A few simple steps go a long way in preventing theft or damage, so take a few extra minutes to review or begin a home security plan before you leave. Here are some easy things to do to protect your property while you enjoy some time away from home.
Inform Neighbors
Letting your neighbor know that you’ll be away, especially if your trip is more than just a few days, is essential, along with an emergency contact number if they see something amiss. If you have a good friend in the neighborhood, provide a key to your home and let them bring in your mail, newspapers and trash cans. If that strategy isn’t feasible, make sure a close by relative or friend has a key to your home.
Keep Up Appearances
Take measures to make it appear as though you’re still home. A simple timer, adjusted to turn a few key lights on inside your home during the evening hours, will accomplish this. You can take it a step further and do the same with a television or music device. If you’re going on an extended trip, have the post office hold your mail for up to 30 days, and remember to arrange for lawn care as well if you’ll be gone for more than a week during the growing season.
Use Security Tech
Thanks to the internet, there are many options available to you for home security. From security cameras to motion sensors, there are numerous cloud-based monitoring applications on the market, allowing you to control your security system wherever you have Wi-Fi access. It’s easy to turn on and off lights, motion sensors, and the like via your smartphone. A smart lock for your main entrance door is another great option, which will allow you to regulate how and when access to your home is given.
A Word on Social Media
Nearly everyone is excited about seeing new places, or just relaxing for a few days, and many of us find ourselves posting comments,photos, and more on about our days away on social media. With that in mind, remember that you may be leaving a trail for potential wrongdoers. This can be circumvented by taking the time to lock down your social media accounts before you leave, just in case an internet sleuth is keeping track of when you’re not home and taking advantage of your absence.
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Columbia Builders is the home builder of choice in Howard County, offering homes in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Columbia, Marriottsville, Fulton, Clarksville, Dayton, and Brookeville. No matter what the size and scope of your project, we have the skills, experience, and resources needed to bring your vision to life. We offer a level of customization that is truly unmatched and are committed to using materials and craftsmen of the highest quality, so you can trust that your new home is built to last.
If you’re ready to invest in a home that is built with your needs in mind, trust in us. Give Columbia Builders a call today at 410-730-0215 or use our contact form here. You can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, and Youtube, and don’t forget to check back on our blog for more tips and information!