Protecting Your Assets While Away
As winter thaws and spring peeks around the corner, many families and individuals start planning for the much-awaited spring break. It’s a time for relaxation and adventure, but it’s also crucial to ensure that your home remains secure in your absence. Here are comprehensive tips and strategies to protect your assets while you’re away enjoying your break.
1. Secure Your Home Physically
- Locks: Ensure all doors and windows have sturdy, functional locks. Consider upgrading to smart locks that alert you if they’re tampered with.
- Security Systems: Activate your alarm system and ensure it’s monitored and fully functional. If you don’t have a system installed, consider a reputable provider that offers remote monitoring.
- Lighting: Use automated light systems to simulate someone being home. Smart light bulbs can be scheduled or controlled remotely via smartphone.
2. Technology to Enhance Security
- Home Surveillance Cameras: Install cameras at key entry points. Cameras that connect to your Wi-Fi allow you to monitor your home in real-time from your vacation spot.
- Smart Home Sensors: Water sensors, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors can send alerts to your phone, helping prevent disasters while you’re away.
3. Minimize Home Vacancy Signs
- Mail and Deliveries: Pause your mail delivery or ask a neighbor to collect it. Piled-up mail is a clear sign that the home is unoccupied.
- Social Media: Keep your travel plans off social media until you return. Posting about being away can attract unwanted attention from potential burglars.
4. Neighborhood Watch
- Inform Trusted Neighbors: Let a trusted neighbor know about your travel plans. They can keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious activity.
- Community Apps: Join local community apps like Nextdoor to stay informed about your neighborhood’s security status even when you’re away.
5. Insurance and Inventory
- Review Your Insurance: Ensure your home insurance policies are up-to-date and provide adequate coverage for scenarios like theft and natural disasters.
- Home Inventory: Keep a current inventory of valuables, ideally with photos and serial numbers. This can be crucial for insurance claims in case of theft.
6. Professional Home Security Audit
- Consult Experts: Before you head out, consider hiring security professionals like TAC7 to perform a comprehensive Home Security Audit. We can identify vulnerabilities and suggest the best measures to safeguard your property. Contact TAC7 to get more information on a Home Security Audit before your trip!