Taking steps to keep your house Safe while you’re on vacation this summer is probably not top of mind. However, according to Safe Wise, a burglary takes place in the United States about every 18 seconds. That equates to over 200 burglaries per hour and nearly 5,000 per day! Given these shocking facts, it’s essential to take measures to keep your home safe while you travel. This article will provide you with 8 ways to do just that.

Tips To Protect Your Home For The Summer Of 2018

1. Make It Look Like Someone Is Home

   One of the best ways to protect your home while you’re away is to make it appear as though someone is home at all times. Below are some tips to accomplish this.
   • Set timers on your lights, radios, and TVs, so they automatically turn on at various times throughout the day and night.
   • Keep up with landscaping. If you have landscapers or gardeners, don’t cancel appointments while you’re gone. If you mow your lawn, enlist the help of a friend or family member to mow while you’re away.
   • Have a friend, neighbor, or family member park his or her car in your driveway.
   • Position blinds in a normal position, making sure not to expose expensive items, appliances, or electronics.
   • Have a neighbor collect mail and packages that are left on your doorstep.
2. Install A Security System or Fake Security System
   According to a report by the University of North Carolina, 60% of convicted burglars stated that the presence of a security system influenced their decision to target a different home. If you do not want to invest in an expensive security system, you can fool potential burglars by hanging security company signs on your property and by installing dummy cameras at entry points.
3. Be Careful What You Share On Social
   We know it’s extremely tempting to post details about your vacation on social media to make your friends and family jealous, but doing so could lure criminals to your home. While it may be tempting to brag about your vacation to all of your friends and family, it’s best to wait until you get back to post vacation-related photos.
4. Remove Spare Keys
   If you have a spare key hidden someone on your property, be sure to remove it before you leave for vacation. Chances are, seasoned criminals will search long and hard to find spare keys, and are aware of familiar hiding places. Make sure to either bring the key indoors, or give it to a trusted family, friend, or neighbor for safe keeping.
5. Tell A Trusted Neighbor That You Will Be Gone
   Having a trusted neighbor watch over your home can go a long ways in keeping it safe from criminals while you are away. After all, it never hurts to have a pair of eyes on the lookout for suspicious activity.
6. Unplug Your Appliances
   To avoid electrical fires and power surges unplug all unnecessary non-timed appliances. Also, make sure your smoke alarms are in working order before you leave. Taking these preventative measures can help you avoid a costly mistake upon your return.
7. Stash Valuables In A Safe
   Place all valuables and family heirlooms in a safe place, such as a locked safe, before you leave. This will ensure your valuable possessions remain safe even if your home is broken into. Another option is to rent a safe deposit box from Launch FCU to keep your valuable safe. We have a variety of safe deposit box sizes starting at just $40 per year.
8. Lock Your Doors
   We know this may seem like common sense, but you would be shocked at the number of people who forget to lock their front door or shut their windows with all the chaos associated with leaving for a vacation. In fact, Safe Wise advises that nearly 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window. A staggering 34% of burglars enter a home through the front door. These statistics display the importance of making sure your windows and doors are locked before you leave the house.

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