Our Summer Holiday Home Security Tips
Summer holidays are a great time for the family to spend time together during a well-earned vacation. Taking a trip can be a wonderful way to bring the whole family closer together, explore new places and unwind after a year of hard work.
However, despite all the benefits that summer vacations can provide, there is one major risk – leaving your home unattended. Prolonged absences can raise significant security concerns for your home, as this can be a big trigger for burglars, vandals and other criminals.
Taking the time to protect your home and invest in security systems that can offer peace of mind will make your summer holidays more enjoyable. Lincs Alarms are specialists in home security systems and offer expert installations of CCTV, burglar alarms and security doorbells for your protection.
In this comprehensive guide, we are providing practical home security tips to use during your summer holidays so you can safeguard your property and peace of mind.
Why Is Home Security So Important During Summer?
Home security is important all year long, but the summer poses unique risks which makes it the perfect opportunity to reassess your current systems. Summer is the most popular time for vacations and holidays, and it is these prolonged absences that also make it the most popular time for burglaries.
As homeowners spend time away from their properties and leave their homes empty for weeks at a time, this makes them more vulnerable to intrusions, theft and other security risks. Burglars are often driven by opportunity and not having the right security systems in place around your home creates the perfect environment for them to commit their crimes.
A secure home not only protects your possessions and the property itself when you are away but also provides peace of mind throughout your vacation. In many cases, simply having security systems such as CCTV cameras in place is enough of a deterrent that they can keep your home safe even when you are not there.
Many options for home security systems can protect your home when you are not there and be easily installed before your summer holidays.
How To Protect Your Home During Summer Holidays
Effective home security measures can deter potential burglars and ensure that any attempt to breach your home is quickly thwarted, so you can vacation in peace.
The following methods outline the best way to protect your home and offer high levels of security during your absences this summer.
First Step: Assess Your Home Security
Before you jet off for your summer holiday, take some time to evaluate your current home security measures to determine what needs to be done. Taking the time to consider your current security measures allows you to make the best decisions for your home.
To determine what kind of security you need. walk around your home to identify any potential vulnerabilities. For example, any entry points that can be easily accessed or an overgrown garden that can provide hiding spots for intruders.
These first need to be identified so you can find the best solution for your home security and get these installed before your vacation.
Secure Entry Points
A highly effective way to enhance your home security, during summer holidays or at any other point in the year, is through high-quality locks on all entry points.
Securing entry points such as doors and windows can prevent break-ins by making it more difficult for burglars or intruders to enter your home. High-quality locks should be fitted on all doors and windows across the home to limit access through these entry points.
It is a good idea to opt for robust locks that cannot be tampered with, as these offer extra protection to your home. Deadbolts are a great example of this and are ideal for doors, as they are incredibly durable.
If you are in a particularly high-risk area, you may also want to consider additional security for windows such as grills or bars as well as locks.
Install Alarm Systems
Home alarm systems are great to use during any absence from the home, in particular long-term absences such as during a summer holiday.
Security alarms are common and will alert you to any intrusion within the home. Modern alarm systems come with a range of features, including motion sensors, that can be used to trigger the alarm and alert authorities during worst-case scenarios.
There are also options for home alarms that connect to other elements of your security system, such as cameras for remote surveillance. Security alarms are not only highly effective, but they can also be a great deterrent as visible alarms and cameras indicate a tough job for potential burglars and intruders making them less likely to target your home.
Add Security Cameras
Security cameras give you eyes on your home even if you are not physically present. Much like with alarm systems, visible security cameras can be a great deterrent to burglars as well as offering you additional layers of protection when you need it most.
Most modern security cameras can be accessed remotely, allowing you to keep track of your home whether you are relaxing by the pool or on the beach in another country. There are many options for home security cameras these days, allowing you to find the best fit for your home.
Whatever you choose, install security cameras across the home, making sure entry points are visible, as well as inside the home for additional protection.
Timers for Lights and Electronics
A dark and silent home is a clear indication that no one is present and can make your property a target for burglars.
Even when you are not present in your home, such as during your vacation, you can give the impression that someone is home. Timers are an effective tool for this and can be used across lights and other electronics to mimic activity throughout the home. If you have a typical routine, lights can be turned on and off at particular times to simulate this and give the impression that you are still home.
There are several main types of electronic timers available, such as staggered timers which will turn the lights on or off at different times in various rooms, or smart plugs which can be controlled remotely through an app.
Lights are not the only thing that you can turn on when you are not at home, as using timers for electronics such as the television or radio can also give the impression that someone is home and effectively deter burglars. It is important that you rely on timers for thee electronics and do not just leave them running the whole time you are on holiday. Not only is this more effective for simulating activity, but it is also cheaper and safer.
Use Outdoor Lighting
Just as keeping the home well-lit on the inside is important for security, so is lighting the exterior. Outdoor lighting is a great security measure for both the times you are at home as well as when you are on holiday as they are a significant deterrent to burglars.
Burglars are more likely to operate under the cover of darkness, where they are less likely to be caught, so a well-lit house is highly unappealing. Outdoor lighting should be installed around your property to enhance home security by highlighting any untoward activity that may take place.
Several options for outdoor lighting can enhance home security, whether you are present or not, including motion-sensor lights and security floodlights, which can cover large areas such as driveways or back gardens.
Garden Maintenance
Before you jet off on your holiday, make sure your garden is well-maintained and clear. Overgrown grass and other obstructions can create the perfect hiding place for intruders and therefore pose a significant threat to your home security.
A well-maintained garden not only makes it more difficult for criminals to hide but also gives the impression that someone is home. An overgrown garden is essentially a sign that the property has been vacant for some time and is therefore appealing to burglars or intruders.
Avoid these risks by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges and disposing of any rubbish before your vacation.
Don’t Broadcast Holiday Plans
While it might be tempting to share your holiday excitement on social media, doing so can inadvertently inform burglars of your absence and make your home a target. It is common for people to share their highlights with friends and family online, but doing so can also cause issues.
This is why you need to be mindful of what you post online, and who you talk to before you go on holiday. If you are going to share updates from your trip online, take some time to assess your security settings and limit who has access to your posts.
For ultimate protection, limit posting anything until you get home – where you can freely update your friends and followers about everything you did without the risk.
Inform Trusted Neighbours
Although it is not a good idea to broadcast your holiday plans, it may be beneficial for you to speak with a trusted neighbour about your absence. A trusted neighbour can provide an additional layer of protection by watching over your house and may even contribute to its protection.
Ask a neighbour to watch over your property as well as collect any mail that may accumulate during your trip. They could also park a car in your driveway to give the impression someone is home and limit the appeal to burglars.
Contact Lincs Alarms Today
Before you jet off on your summer holiday, contact Lincs Alarms today for exceptional home security services and professional installations.
Do not leave things to chance and instead take an active role in your home security with our services.
