Spring Break Safety Tips: Protect Your Home While You’re Away

With Spring Break just around the corner, many families will be taking the opportunity to relax and vacation. While you’re away, make sure your home stays secure. Criminals are always on the lookout for easy targets, and with a few precautionary steps, you can avoid becoming one.

Here are some tips to help protect your home:

1. Control Access to Your Home: Avoid sharing travel plans or personal details with strangers. Don’t post your location on social media while you’re away, as this can alert criminals that your home is empty.

2. Make Your Home an Unattractive Target: Criminals tend to choose easy targets. Your goal is to make them decide that your home isn’t worth the risk. Keep all entry points locked, including doors, windows, and even the garage. Deadbolts, sliding bolt locks, and peepholes can offer extra protection. Keep your home’s keys in a secure place and never hide them outside.

3. Use Smart Lighting: Motion-activated lights around doors and walkways effectively deter intruders. Well-lit areas make it more difficult for criminals to hide or go unnoticed.

4. Show Security Presence: Whether or not you have an alarm system, posting signs and window stickers that advertise security measures can be a great way to discourage potential burglars from targeting your home.

5. Use Smart Technology: Smart security devices, such as video doorbells, security cameras, and motion-activated lights, are effective tools for deterring burglars. Install cameras at entry points, such as the front door, back door, and driveway, so that you can monitor activity from your phone.

6. Eliminate Hiding Spots: Trim back bushes, trees, and shrubs near entry points. These areas can provide cover for intruders, so keeping them well-maintained reduces the chance of a criminal hiding out while attempting to break in.

7. Neighborhood Watch: Get to know your neighbors and encourage them to look out for each other. A strong sense of community can help deter crime and ensure that neighbors are alert to any suspicious activity in the area.

 These simple precautions will help you enjoy your spring break, knowing that your home is secure. Stay safe and have a relaxing vacation!

Blog post by Todd Gilevich, TSD Director of Security.