Tips to Keep Your Home Safe This Winter Vacation

Ahhhh, finally vacation time. You've saved up all of your paid time off and finally finished the renovations on that vacation bungalow, now all you have to do is pack up and get to your getaway. Did you remember to set your security system on your home before leaving? You have a security system, right? If you have a system in place, wonderful, but does it deter burglars from even thinking about breaking in? Or does it make your home a sitting target?

Remember, thieves are getting more sophisticated and many have learned ways to sidestep technology. Installing a proper security system can greatly reduce the risk of a break in, but beside your standard door alarm there are technologies that are much-more effective. Aside from installing an easy-to-use and efficient security system, there are many other gadgets you can use to assure you and your family are safe and prepared for any burglary or robberies that could occur while at home or on vacation. Here are the ones we recommend trying out:

Set Lights on Timers

Getting an affordable timer for every room in the house that will turn lights on and off while you are away, might leave the light on while you're gone, but that will also offer the illusion that your home is inhabited while you are away.

Sensors

LifeShield home security systems suggests on their website to install sensors not only on doors and windows but inside the house. You can set them to cabinets and drawers. Even if that sneaky burglar got past your front door alarm, they are sure to be caught when they start rifling through dressers.

Video Surveillance

In addition to lights, putting a video surveillance system in place, both at your summer home and normal residence, will set you and your families' mind at ease and make it easier to track down criminals and provide concrete evidence for law enforcement.

Timed Sprinklers

Keeping the conditions of both homes looking presentable and keeping up the appearances can be essential as well. If you have a garden or a front and back yard, having a thorough sprinkler system that functions on a timer can be very useful year round.

Add Anti-Freeze to the Toilet

If you can't regulate the temperature of the building and its pipes, then pouring anti-freeze down a toilet to prevent over-freezing in colder weather. It's not quite a gadget, but it's been known to work.

Tell the Neighbors

If you can't afford cameras and gadgets, inform your friends and neighbors of when you are going to be gone and ask if they will check on your home from time to time. Unchecked mail, piled-up newspapers and an untidy front lawn are all dead giveaways to ne'er-do-wells looking for an empty house to burgle. Just be sure to only tell people you trust. Even telling your gardener or someone at the hair salon can be dangerous if you don't know them very well.

Installing an effective system and utilizing these tips will help you relax and not worry about your home while on vacation.