5 Ways to Secure Your Home While on Vacation

It’s Springtime, and that means traveling season is here! Before you pack your bags, consider prepping your home before you go away. Planning a trip can be a bit stressful for some, but worrying about your home’s safety shouldn't be. With Frontpoint, we've got you covered on protecting your belongings while you're on vacay. Burglars' primary objective is finding signs of an empty home, so before you hit the road, take these simple steps to improve your home's safety so that when you return, your home will be just as you left it.  

The most basic way of securing your home is also the easiest to forget. Before leaving for your trip, check and double-check that all entry points – front, back, basement, patio, windows, etc. – are secured. Make sure that blinds are drawn closed so potential burglars can't look into your home. Home automation smart locks are another way to guarantee your house is protected. At Frontpoint, our Smart Locks allow you to lock your door from your mobile device easily, so no more second-guessing. 

While this may seem like a no-brainer, announcing your vacation on social media should be avoided. Nowadays, burglars are using social media to pick and choose their targets. Telling the online community that you’re going to be leaving for a trip, posting pictures while on vacation, or even tweeting real-time updates of your activity is essentially the same as announcing your home is unattended. So, while it may be nice to post photos of your vacation, consider sharing your amazing vacay pictures after you return home.  

 For the duration of your trip, ask someone you trust to housesit or stop by to make it appear like your home is occupied. This can be a neighbor you're close to or even a family member. Be sure that they pick up mail and packages or turn on the lights – all things a burglar notices while canvassing a home. Avoid leaving spare keys under mats or nearby. Intruders are sure to check the usual hiding spots. If you have more than one vehicle, have one sitting in the driveway to make it appear like someone is home.   

Turning on your lights is an effective way to deter a burglar as well. With Wireless Light Control you can easily do it yourself from your mobile device. Even if you’re not home, you can simply set a timer for your lights to come on and off at certain times. Set up a few timers throughout the different floors of your home so it appears that people are occupying both upstairs and downstairs. That way, you won't have to worry about constantly updating your settings while you're on your trip.  

Alarms stand as a great line of defense, especially when you're away. If you own a home security system already, remember to arm it! With Frontpoint’s Professional Monitoring, you’ll receive notifications when there’s an alert, allowing you to act instantly. You can also access your system remotely at any time, from anywhere, all from your phone. Frontpoint not only offers security systems but also an array of indoor and outdoor cameras and motion sensors so that you'll immediately be notified if someone has been spotted on your property. Make sure your alarm system signs are visible as well, whether you have stickers on front windows or even a sign in the yard. Burglars are less likely to target homes with these added features. 

And lastly, make sure you enjoy your travels!