This is a topic that we’ve touched on before, (which should signify just how important we think it is!) and we thought it was the perfect time to bring awareness to it again seeing as summer is when many families spend a lot of time away from home, enjoying the beautiful wonders that the world has to offer.
Whether vacation, busy work/activity schedule or otherwise knowing the best way to keep your home safe while you’re away from it is key. Here are some great tips to consider to help safeguard the homefront:
‘Secure Your Home
Home security systems aren’t cheap, but studies show they’re investments worth making. The Electronic Security Association learned nine out of ten burglars would leave a home untouched if they found an alarm. You’ll also save in the long-run, as insurers readily offer discounts of 15% to 20% to customers with home security systems.
Lock Up Carefully
This tip sounds like a no-brainer, but a 2014 Huffington Post/YouGov poll found that 7% of Americans don’t lock their doors when they leave their homes. Locking your front door is a start, but it’s also important to make sure you lock every door and window, every time you leave the house. The average thief spends just 60 seconds illegally entering a home. If you can make a criminal’s job harder, you could deter him from targeting your property.
Keep Up Appearances
Houses that don’t look lived in are much greater targets for burglars. Ask family members, friends, or neighbors to collect your mail, park in your driveway, take garbage cans in and out, and mow your lawn while you’re on vacation. Timers on your lights, television sets, and radios can make a home appear inhabited while you’re away. Remember to also lower the ringer volume on your landline phone to make sure thieves won’t hear it ringing out.
Don’t Advertise When You’re Away
It is tempting to brag about your upcoming tropical vacation on Facebook, but your indiscretion could make you a target for crime. Australia’s Edith Cowan University interviewed 69 burglars and found that one of their favorite ways to find targets is scanning social media for status updates. If thieves are doing it in Australia, you can bet they’re doing it everywhere. By extension, it’s smart to keep tight-lipped in your answering machine and voicemail messages. Any crook can pick a number from the phone book and learn you’re cruising the Caribbean, just as easily as they learn your address. Notify just a few trusted family members or friends you’ll be away, instead of broadcasting the news to your wider circles.’ (source: safety.com)
At Henderson Security your Ottawa home/business safety professional, our goal is to help ensure that our clients are as safe as possible. Contact us to learn more about how we can make life safer for you and your loved ones!