Put your mind at ease...
You’ve done it. You’ve purchased your getaway oasis in Sunny SW Florida! Winter is approaching and you're ready to head south to enjoy months of palm trees and blue skies in your second home.
But… What about your first home up north or in the mid-west? Will it be safe while you’re away? The last thing you want to do is to spend your time in paradise needlessly worrying. Fortunately, you don’t have to. There are a number of simple steps you can take to secure your home.
Purchase a combination lockbox for your spare key.
It would be great if there was no need to keep an additional key outside your home, but we are only human. Accidents and emergencies happen. A combination lockbox is a more secure option for your spare key than hiding it under a flower pot or tucked behind a window shutter. You can find them online or at your local hardware store.
It would be great if there was no need to keep an additional key outside your home, but we are only human. Accidents and emergencies happen. A combination lockbox is a more secure option for your spare key than hiding it under a flower pot or tucked behind a window shutter. You can find them online or at your local hardware store.
Secure your garage door.
Electric garage door openers are wonderful conveniences, but can be susceptible to hacking. Older models lack the security features of newer ones, and any opener that is connected to your home’s wifi is only as secure as your wifi. If you have a manual lock bar, remember to engage it before you leave.
Electric garage door openers are wonderful conveniences, but can be susceptible to hacking. Older models lack the security features of newer ones, and any opener that is connected to your home’s wifi is only as secure as your wifi. If you have a manual lock bar, remember to engage it before you leave.
Forward your mail and your phone calls.
Submit a temporary change of address to the post office. If you maintain a landline, instruct your phone service provider to forward your calls before leaving. Potential intruders know that a full mailbox or a constantly ringing and unanswered phone is are sure signs that no one is home. Don’t leave those signs for them.
Submit a temporary change of address to the post office. If you maintain a landline, instruct your phone service provider to forward your calls before leaving. Potential intruders know that a full mailbox or a constantly ringing and unanswered phone is are sure signs that no one is home. Don’t leave those signs for them.
Enlist your neighbors.
Even while you are away, door-to-door salesmen will be hard at work. Before long, take out menus and door-knob hangers advertising lawn care services will begin to accumulate on and around your front door. Packages may arrive from friends and family who are unaware that you are traveling. And the wind will continue to blow bits of trash into your yard and onto your porch. Erase evidence of your absence by asking a close neighbor to remove these items for you periodically.
Even while you are away, door-to-door salesmen will be hard at work. Before long, take out menus and door-knob hangers advertising lawn care services will begin to accumulate on and around your front door. Packages may arrive from friends and family who are unaware that you are traveling. And the wind will continue to blow bits of trash into your yard and onto your porch. Erase evidence of your absence by asking a close neighbor to remove these items for you periodically.
Coordinate with local friends and family.
Ask a trusted friend or family member to enter your house every week. (You can also hire a home watch service to do this.) While there, they can check windows and doors. They can also water plants, run water in sinks and flush toilets, make adjustments to thermostat settings, and generally keep an eye out for anything unusual that may require attention.
Ask a trusted friend or family member to enter your house every week. (You can also hire a home watch service to do this.) While there, they can check windows and doors. They can also water plants, run water in sinks and flush toilets, make adjustments to thermostat settings, and generally keep an eye out for anything unusual that may require attention.
Consider additional options.
Depending on the area where you live and your own level of comfort, you may want to take extra steps. Consider adding motion sensitive lights, installing home security cameras, hiring a security service, or changing out your locks for stronger versions.
Depending on the area where you live and your own level of comfort, you may want to take extra steps. Consider adding motion sensitive lights, installing home security cameras, hiring a security service, or changing out your locks for stronger versions.
Don’t let anything stop you from making the most of your time in the land of summer and sunshine. Take a few simple precautions before you leave, and never look back!