If you plan to travel this holiday season, you probably already have a lot of things on your mind, such as packing everything you’ll need, strategizing your route, and staying safe on the road. But one important issue that many homeowners don’t think about is keeping their the safe while you are gone and it is vacant.
Here are some tips for protecting your home during winter travel and why the decision to hire private security is a smart one.
Set Timers for Lights
A home that is suddenly dimly lit can cause suspicion and attract burglars. To make your home appear as if someone is home at the usual times, set some indoor and outdoor timers for practical-use lights.
Stop Mail and Newspapers
A pile of unopened mail, packages, and newspapers on the porch is an obvious sign that you’re not home. Plan ahead to pause delivery services so that you don’t attract unwanted attention.
Ensure Everything Is Locked
It may sound obvious, but check all of the doors, windows, and the garage to make sure everything is locked before leaving for holiday travel. An unlocked door is an open invitation for theft and vandalism.
Protect Your Pipes from Freezing
No one wants to come home to a leak or a home without running water. Ensure that pipes in basements and other areas are insulated and have someone you trust turn on the faucets to drip occasionally to prevent pipes from freezing.
Keep Quiet About Your Holiday Travel Plans
Although you may be very excited about your upcoming winter travel, only tell people about it who really need to know. Avoid posting about your location on social media because this information could be shared with opportunists who want to steal your possessions without fear of you coming back home anytime soon.
Notify Your Alarm System Company
If you have a home security system set up, let the company know your dates of travel so that they can be aware of any unauthorized access during that time. Just be sure to account for any scheduled visits that you have planned for someone to check in on your property so that alarms aren’t set off unnecessarily.
Why Hire Private Security for Your Home
While all of these tips are great to remember before winter travel, the most effective way to protect your home is to hire private security to watch over it while you’re gone. A private security professional can patrol your residence to look for suspicious activity and let you know about any risks or threats. The professional can also monitor surveillance footage and immediately act on anything that appears out of the ordinary, as well as remove unwanted intruders from your property while coordinating with local law enforcement when necessary.
If you plan to be gone for a week or longer, you might also be interested in hiring a property caretaker as an alternative to a private security guard. In addition to keeping an eye on your home, this domestic professional can maintain your winter landscaping, clear away snow and ice for when you return, and make household repairs if something breaks while you’re away.
Household Staffing International can assist you with hiring a private security guard or a property caretaker to make sure that your home and belongings are safe while you travel for the holidays. It is beneficial to have someone watching over your home regardless of whether you’re just gone for a week or plan to be away for the whole season. Tell us more about your holiday travel plans and how we can put your mind at ease by calling us at 212-683-7722 or filling out our online form.