CENTRE COUNTY — Summer is one of the biggest times for travel, and according to ADT Security, it is also one of the biggest times for burglary. ADT noted that “most burglaries occur during summer, decreasing almost 11% in winter, 9% less in spring and 6% lower in fall than in the summer months.”
So before you pack up the car and hit the road for some sunshine, make sure to do these things to your home first to keep it safe.
Secure your home
Your locks are your first line of defense against break-ins. Make sure each door and window in your house is securely locked before leaving — double-check less obvious entry points like basement windows or garage doors. Consider upgrading to deadbolt locks for added security or use window locks or bars for extra protection.
Install a timer to turn on and off your house lights to make it look like someone is home. These can be used for both indoor and outdoor lights and should be set at random patterns to avoid predictability. Also consider installing a doorbell camera or security cameras that you can monitor remotely while you travel.
Set up home security systems
Make sure your alarm system is activated and functioning properly. Test all sensors and cameras before departure. Notify your security company of your travel dates. Ensure that contact information is updated.
Notify neighbors
Tell a trusted neighbor of your travel plans, and make sure to give them your emergency contact’s information. Let them know if you will have any pet sitters or family members stopping by so they can make note of any suspicious unplanned behavior.
Put a hold on mail and deliveries
Contact the postal service to place a hold on mail delivery. If you receive a physical newspaper, contact the publisher to pause delivery. Accumulating mail or newspapers can signal your absence to potential thieves. If you do get an unexpected delivery, ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
Garden and yard maintenance
An overgrown yard can be a sign that nobody is home. Before you leave, arrange for lawn care to be done if you will be gone for an extended time, or finish any lawn projects before you leave. Store or secure patio furniture, grills and garden tools to prevent theft or weather damage. Use locks or store items in a shed or garage. Check that all outdoor equipment is secured properly.
Manage utilities and appliances
In addition to preventing break ins, keep your home safe by unplugging any non-essential appliances, like toasters, coffee makers or entertainment systems. Set your thermostat to an energy-saving mode to conserve energy and reduce your utility bill. If you have a smart thermostat that can be controlled remotely, set the system to “away” mode. Shut off your main water supply as well to prevent potential leaks.
