Vacations are a time for relaxation, exploration, and creating lasting memories, but they can also present security risks for your home while you’re away. Ensuring that your home is secure and protected during your absence is essential to enjoying a worry-free vacation. As an Ohio Mobile Locksmith with expertise in home security, I’ve compiled a comprehensive safety checklist to help you prepare your home for vacation and safeguard your property while you’re away.
1. Secure All Entry Points:
- Before you leave, double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked.
- Install deadbolts on exterior doors for added security and consider reinforcing sliding doors and windows with additional locking mechanisms.
- Ensure that garage doors are closed and locked to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Install Smart Security Technology:
- Consider installing a smart home security system that allows you to monitor your home remotely.
- Smart doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks can provide real-time alerts and control over your home’s security while you’re away.
3. Notify a Trusted Neighbor or Friend in Columbus, Ohio:
- Inform a trusted neighbor or friend of your travel plans and provide them with a spare key.
- Ask them to keep an eye on your property, collect mail, and address any emergencies in your absence.
4. Don’t Advertise Your Absence:
- Avoid posting about your vacation on social media or sharing specific travel details that could alert potential intruders that your home is unoccupied.
- Hold off on sharing vacation photos until after you’ve returned home.
5. Set Up Timers for Lights:
- Use timers to automatically turn lights on and off at different times to create the appearance that someone is home.
- Consider timers for radios or TVs to simulate activity inside your home.
6. Secure Valuables and Important Documents:
- Keep valuable items, such as jewelry, electronics, and important documents, in a secure safe.
- Consider storing sensitive documents in a safety deposit box at a bank while you’re away.
7. Arrange for Mail and Newspaper Hold:
- Contact your post office to hold your mail or arrange for a neighbor to collect it.
- Suspend newspaper deliveries to prevent newspapers from piling up outside your home.
8. Inspect Outdoor Security:
- Trim bushes and shrubs near your home to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders.
- Ensure that outdoor lighting is working properly, especially near entry points.
9. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
- Make sure that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly before you leave.
- Replace batteries if necessary and address any maintenance issues.
10. Set Up Emergency Contacts:
- Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your trusted neighbor, local authorities, and your locksmith’s contact information, in case of emergencies.
- Program emergency numbers into your phone for quick access.
Conclusion
By following this locksmith safety checklist, you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and protected. Taking proactive steps to secure your property, utilizing smart home technology, and enlisting the help of trusted neighbors can help deter potential intruders and ensure that your home remains safe while you’re away. With thorough preparation and attention to home security details, you can relax and enjoy your well-deserved vacation without worrying about the safety of your home.