Owning a second home where you go to do nothing but relax and have lots of fun is a delightful experience. Feeling safe at your vacation home is vital to your relaxation and well-being. A secure vacation home also gives you peace of mind while you’re away. Putting some measures in place can help improve your vacation home security.
In this article, we provide tips for enhancing your second home’s security, including physical measures and technological solutions.
Top 10 Security Tips For Your Vacation Home
Statistics show over one million home burglaries occur annually in the United States. Here are the top 10 vacation home security measures:
Tip #1: Invest in a Security System
Installing a reliable security system in your vacation home is one of the most necessary steps to securing your property. While security system costs continue to drop, only 1 in 4 American homes use it to protect their property. Home automation is crucial if you want to know what’s happening in your vacation home. So much goes into a security system to ensure it meets your unique security needs. However, a few components are essential when installing a security system.
Here are some devices you might require for a security system:
- Burglar alarms: An alarm system can deter 60% of burglars. 83% of burglars check if there’s an alarm system. Alarm systems use sensors and contacts to detect movement. Besides sounding an alarm, it can notify you of a break-in through text or email. Burglar alarms may include:
- Door/window sensors: Door and window sensors use sensors and magnets to detect when a door or window is opened.
- Motion sensors: These gadgets detect motion in a given area and then sound an alarm to alert you of potential intruders.
- Glass break detectors: These security devices detect when glass breaks; it could be from a window or door.
- Security yard sticker/sign: Displaying signs from the company providing security lets an intruder know that someone else is watching over your home even when you’re not around.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: When people think of a security system, they focus on deterring crime. However, smoke and carbon dioxide are essential components in a security system that can prevent poisoning and fire, which can lead to property damage.
- Temperature and water leak sensors: Having environmental sensors in your vacation home can help prevent disasters like flooding and regulate the temperature in your home
- Video cameras: Video cameras are like your second set of eyes. They can help you know what’s happening on your property. You can install outdoor and indoor cameras to ensure your property is secure.
- Video doorbell: A video doorbell helps you know who is standing at your front door, no matter where you are. You can scare away intruders or wade off animals using the video bell if it has two-way audio.
- Outdoor security lights: Including security lights in your vacation home security system adds a layer of protection to your home. Ensure you place your lights strategically. Motion-activated lights are the most effective at deterring burglars.
- Indoor smart lights: Installing smart lights you can control even when not at home can help create an illusion of an occupied house.
Features to Consider in a Security System
The best security system for your vacation should reduce the fear and insecurity you feel while spending time there and while you’re away. Most companies offer a security system as a package. Some also allow you to build your system depending on your home’s needs. Here are a few pointers you can use when choosing the best system:
- Remote monitoring: You should be able to monitor and control your home from anywhere worldwide using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
- Equipment you need: Ensure the packages offered have devices that meet your security needs.
- Smart home integration: Look for a security system that can integrate or link with your smart home (if you already have one) to provide seamless control and integration.
- Customer service: Look for a security provider with a quick response since you might need them in an emergency.
- Expandability: Choose a system that you can add or remove devices in the future.
- Monitoring options: Most security companies offer DIY (Do It Yourself) and professional monitoring. However, others offer only one option. Be sure to check the option available to ensure it meets your needs.
- Installation options: You can choose between DIY and professional installation. Professional installation can be expensive, so pick a system matching your budget.
- Mobile app features: Check to confirm whether the app available can provide the monitoring and controlling features you require for your vacation home security.
- Price: Besides checking equipment price, consider installation, monitoring, and other monthly fees. Get quotes from different companies and choose a system that balances features and affordability.
Tip #2: Secure Windows and Doors
Securing your windows and doors with sturdy locks is an easy and exceptional way to keep your home safe. Statistics show that 34% of burglars use unlocked front doors to gain unauthorized entry into your home. Double-check to confirm you have locked all your entry doors, including your garage door. Smart locks are also an excellent way to reinforce entry points Plus, you can lock and unlock them from anywhere.
Tip #3: Know Your Neighbors
Get to know the people living near your vacation home and make them friends. Once you trust them, let them know your home is a vacation home, and you’ll not always be there. Ask them to be your eyes and eyes when you’re not around and to report suspicious activities.
Tip #4: Don’t Hide Spare Keys in Obvious Places
Don’t leave spare keys under doormats or in other obvious places. Burglars often look for hidden keys to get into your home like any other family member. If you already have a neighbor you trust, leave the keys with them. This way, you can ask them to check your home now and then to ensure everything is how it should be.
Tip #5 Let Your Home Appear Like Someone Is Living There
A vacant home is like a magnet to burglars. So you have to create the appearance of an occupied home. You can set lights, TVs, or radio timers and randomize the schedule to simulate regular activity. Installing smart blinds is also a great way to say you’re home while you’re not. You can easily control motorized blinds with an app or voice assistant.
Mail pile-up is a sign that you’re not home. A good option is to stop mail and newspaper delivery in your home while you’re not there. You can also ask your neighbor to pick up your mail/packages on your behalf. In addition, keep your home well maintained, including trimming bushes, tending your garden, mowing your lawn, and cleaning your outdoors.
Tip #6: Secure Outdoor Areas
Trim shrubs and hedges near entry points and windows that intruders can use for hiding. This can help your neighbors easily monitor your property and see what is happening while in their homes. Remember to lock your gate before you leave to prevent unauthorized access.
Tip #7 Don’t Advertise Your Absence
As much as sharing your holiday plans on social media is fun, avoid advertising your vacation home. The information can reach the wrong people, leaving your second home at risk of invasion. Furthermore, you also have your first home to think of. Posting your family snaps on social media while you’re away from your home can also make it a target.
Tip #8: Keep Valuables out of Sight
Don’t leave valuables like jewelry or electronics where they can be easily spotted. Burglars are always looking for things that are easy to reach, and valuables inside can attract them and stir curiosity about what else might be in the house.
Tip #9: Get a House-Sitter or Property Management Services
You can hire a house sitter to live in your home or get a reputable property management service. A house sitter will ensure your home appears occupied, deterring potential intruders. They can also collect your mail, maintain your property, and address issues arising in your absence. If you don’t like having a house sitter, you can consider property management services, as they can check and maintain your home regularly.
Tip #10: Ensure Your Insurance Policy Is Up to Date
Anyone can be a victim of property crime, even with the best security system and measures in place. Besides crime, property fire or flooding can damage your home. An updated insurance policy for your vacation home guarantees financial protection and offers peace of mind in case of unfortunate events.
Ensure your policy covers theft, vandalism, fire damage, or any other concerns you may have. Also, ensure your home security system is well-maintained and operates as intended because it can significantly reduce the likelihood of intrusion, crime or damage to property.
Secure Your Vacation Home With ONIT Home’s Security Systems
One of the best and most extensive ways to secure your vacation home is to have a security system. Vacation homes are different, so a customizable system is always a good solution. Trusting ONIT Home to design an excellent vacation home security system for you is one step toward a safe home where you can always spend your leisure time. It’s also a way to ensure peace of mind while away.
We also provide professional installation and monitoring, all at affordable prices. Our goal is to provide top-quality products and technology to keep families safe. Get a quote today, or reach us at 1-833-433-0331 to speak to us. Anything security; we’re ONIT.