11 Home Security Recommendations for Your Winter Vacation

As the winter season approaches, many of us are eager to embark on a well-deserved vacation, leaving our homes and daily routines behind. However, before you depart, it's essential to ensure that your home is secure and protected from potential threats. A vacant home can be an attractive target for burglars, and the harsh winter weather can also cause damage to your property. In this article, we will provide you with 11 home security recommendations to help you enjoy a worry-free winter vacation.

1. Inform Your Neighbors

Before you leave, inform your neighbors about your departure and return dates. This way, they can keep an eye on your home and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. You can also ask them to collect your mail and newspapers, which can help to avoid a buildup of papers and give the impression that someone is still living in the house.

2. Stop Mail and Newspaper Delivery

Speaking of mail and newspapers, it's a good idea to stop delivery while you're away. A pile of newspapers or mail can be a clear indication that no one is home, making your house a more attractive target for burglars. You can suspend delivery by contacting your mail and newspaper providers in advance.

3. Invest in a Smart Door Lock

A smart door lock can provide an additional layer of security for your home. These locks can be controlled remotely, allowing you to grant access to trusted individuals, such as a neighbor or a house sitter, without having to give them a physical key. You can also receive notifications if someone tries to enter your home while you're away.

4. Install Outdoor Motion-Sensor Lights

Outdoor motion-sensor lights can help to deter burglars by illuminating your home's exterior and making it more visible to passersby. These lights can be especially effective during the winter months when the nights are longer and darker. Make sure to install them in strategic locations, such as near doors and windows.

5. Keep Your Home Well-Lit

In addition to outdoor motion-sensor lights, it's also important to keep your home well-lit from the inside. Consider investing in smart light bulbs that can be controlled remotely, allowing you to turn lights on and off to give the impression that someone is home. You can also use timers to automate your lighting schedule.

6. Unplug Non-Essential Appliances

Unplugging non-essential appliances, such as TVs and computers, can help to prevent damage from power surges and electrical fires. This can also help to reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills.

7. Secure Your Garage

If you have a garage, make sure to secure it before you leave. Lock your garage door, and consider investing in a smart garage door opener that can be controlled remotely. This can help to prevent burglars from gaining access to your home through the garage.

8. Keep Your Landscape Well-Maintained

A well-maintained landscape can help to prevent burglars from hiding in overgrown bushes or trees. Consider hiring a lawn care service to keep your lawn mowed and your bushes trimmed while you're away.

9. Install a Home Security System

A home security system can provide around-the-clock monitoring and protection for your home. These systems can include features such as door and window sensors, motion detectors, and video cameras. Consider investing in a system that can be controlled remotely, allowing you to receive notifications and view live footage of your home while you're away.

10. Prepare for Winter Weather

The winter weather can be harsh, and it's essential to prepare your home for potential storms and freezing temperatures. Insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing, and consider investing in a smart thermostat that can help to regulate your home's temperature. You should also have a plan in place in case of a power outage, such as a portable generator or a backup power source.

11. Consider Hiring a House Sitter

Finally, consider hiring a house sitter to keep an eye on your home while you're away. A house sitter can help to prevent burglaries, collect mail and newspapers, and perform other tasks to maintain your home's appearance. You can find house sitters through local agencies or online platforms.

Additional Tips

In addition to these 11 home security recommendations, here are a few more tips to help you enjoy a worry-free winter vacation:

• Avoid posting about your vacation on social media, as this can attract unwanted attention to your home.
• Keep your curtains and blinds closed to prevent burglars from looking inside your home.
• Consider investing in a safe or a lockbox to store valuable items, such as jewelry or important documents.
• Make sure to have a plan in place in case of an emergency, such as a fire or a burst pipe.

Conclusion

Leaving your home for an extended period can be a daunting experience, especially during the winter months when the weather can be harsh and the nights are longer. However, by following these 11 home security recommendations, you can enjoy a worry-free winter vacation and return to a safe and secure home. Remember to inform your neighbors, stop mail and newspaper delivery, invest in a smart door lock, and keep your home well-lit, among other tips. With a little preparation and planning, you can protect your home and enjoy a relaxing vacation, knowing that your property is secure and protected.