Protecting Your Home While Traveling this Summer

Summer is a great time to get away, by yourself, with someone special, or the whole family. There are many things to plan, logistics to figure out, and reservations to make. Don’t forget the security of your home and property while you're gone. July  and August are popular months for travel, and it’s no surprise that home burglaries spike at this time as well. In addition to the threat of possible criminal activity, there are potential hazards that your absence could result in a disaster. This blog will share some tips to keep your home and property safe while you're gone, so you can just focus on enjoying yourself.

Home Security and Maintenance Checklist

Exterior

• Consider installing motion detection lighting. This can be an excellent deterrent for would-be burglars. Bright lights automatically come on whenever something or someone moves on your property.

• Exterior lights on timers. You don't want to leave outside lights on all the time. Though this could give you some security if it looks like you’re home, the lights being on all the time also signals that no one is home to turn them off.
• Take advantage of current home security technology. There are many products on the market now to make homes more secure. Cameras and smart house features allow you to see what's going on and control certain elements in your home while you're away.
• Have your lawn and landscaping tended to while you're gone. Not only does an overgrown yard signal your absence, but it’s so much nicer to come home to a manicured lawn.
• If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, you may want to have the post office hold your mail and put a hold on newspaper delivery.
• Don't leave spare keys hidden around the property.  outdoors. Good burglars know the most popular hiding places, like beneath mats and in potted plants.
• If you have a trusted neighbor, let them know when you’ll be away and ask them to lookout for your place. You, of course, can do the same for them, making your community safer all around. Make sure they have your contact information in case they need to reach you.
• Make sure outside water is turned off and outdoor furniture is secure. In the event of a storm, you don’t want you neighbors having to deal with your patio set in their yard.

Interior

• Don't broadcast your absence on social media. It may be tempting to post pictures of your vacation in real time, but don’t give anyone who might be seeing your post the idea that your house is unattended. You can always wait until your return and post a montage of images.
• As suggested above, get timers for interior lights and use smart home technology inside.
• Prevent power surges. With the storms in Manassas and Northern Virginia, it's especially important that you protect your electronics from damage that comes with a surge. Surge protectors are effective, or simply unplugging your devices will work.
• If you have a security company or alarm system, make sure the company knows when you will be gone. Alert your alarm company. Make sure the alarm is set when you leave.
• Set the AC to a higher temperature than you normally would this time of year.
• Put away or lock up your valuables. If someone should break and enter your home, you don’t want to lose your most precious or expensive possessions.
• Make sure your homeowner's policy is up to date and covers loss from a variety of sources.
• And of course, check all doors and windows to make sure they are closed tight and locked.

We hope you have a wonderful summer and if you are traveling, you and your home are safe and secure. If you're in the market for a new home, or thinking of listing your Manassas home for sale, please get in touch.