If you’re planning on heading out of town anytime during this holiday season, be sure you secure your home. Here’s a helpful guide to ensure the safety of your home while you are away.

 

1. Don’t post it – We live in a digital age where the sharing of information is plentiful, and often too much. Be careful about posting the exact dates, times, and whereabouts of your movements online. While it may seem innocent to share with friends that you’ll be out of town, chances are it will be easy for an ill-intentioned individual to figure out where you live and take advantage of your absence. Think this is far-fetched? It has happened so often in today’s world it is, unfortunately, common.

 

2. Inform your neighbors – Inform trusted neighbors that you will be gone and ask them to keep an eye on your home. If you have someone housesitting or someone coming by to water your plants, let your neighbors know so they don’t call the police on a friend. Chances are your friend won’t be so eager to help out next time. But having someone keeping an eye out for any weird activity around your home while you’re gone can prevent a potential disaster.

 

3. Security camera – If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a security camera. Most security cameras can connect to an app on your smart device so you can keep an eye on your property no matter where you are. Additionally, some cameras can be linked to a security system that is consistently monitored by a company with alerts.

 

4. Automatic lights – Set a timer on lights to indicate someone is home. Both indoor and outdoor lighting being timed to go on and off throughout the day can make it look like someone is home. Some higher-end timers can even activate TV sets or similar devices to make your home appear to be inhabited.