If you have a vacation planned for this summer, you’ll want to keep your home safe while you’re gone. Here are a few tips from our PHL Airport parking experts on how to reduce your risk of being burglarized while you’re away:
Program your lights
Having the lights in your home off for days at a time is a good indicator to strangers that you’re away, so plan to turn them on for a few hours each day. Try investing in a few timers that you can program to turn your lights on and off automatically each day.
Don’t leave a spare key
There are many different ways to hide a spare key outside of your door - from underneath the mat to inside a faux rock. No matter where you hide your key, burglars are likely to find it, so do yourself a favor while you’re away and don’t leave a spare key out in the open.
Stop your mail delivery
The United States Postal Service allows you to put a stop on your mail delivery anywhere from three days to 30 days. If you don’t want your mail piling up while you’re gone, simply let them know which days to stop your service. The best part is, it’s free.
Have a neighbor help out
If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, see if one of your neighbors can mow your grass, collect your mail, feed your pets, water your plants, or help out with another everyday task that you won’t be able to do. You’ll know your home is in safe hands and having them stop by will help make it look like you never left.
Don’t announce your plans
We know you’re probably excited about your vacation, but don’t announce your travel plans on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or any other public space. If someone looking to break into your home comes across it, they’ll get a free tip on when to do so.
Install a security system
If you don’t already have one, consider installing a good security system. You’ll get peace of mind knowing that the police will be notified if someone tries to burglarize your home. A security system is also a great investment for when you’re at home and want extra protection.
Hide your valuables
Having valuables out in plain sight means someone could easily look through your window and have a motive to steal them. Hide things like your laptop, jewelry, money, and more while you’re away.
Disconnect your garage door opener
These days, burglars with universal garage door remotes have the ability to open nearly any home’s garage door. To prevent this from happening to your home, disconnect your garage door opener so that it can’t be compromised.
Lock everything
Before you leave for your vacation, make sure every lock in your home is engaged. This includes your windows, screen doors, front and back doors, garage door, and basement door. You don’t want to take any chances and come home to a burglarized house.