DIY Ways To Keep Your Home Safe When You Leave For Vacation This Summer

11 April 2015
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Going on a trip this summer? If you're like many homeowners, you're probably wondering how you can protect your property while you're away. The best way to achieve home security is to have an alarm system professionally installed and monitored. However, if you're one of those people who likes to do things on your own, these DIY tips will help you protect your house. 

Gather Your Bags In Your Garage

When it comes time to leave for the airport, avoid packing your car in the street or driveway. This kind of activity serves as an advertisement that you'll be leaving for several days, and you never know who is paying attention. To avoid problems, load the trunk while your car is parked in your garage. 

Put Your Lights on Timers or Motion Sensors

Installing timers on your interior and exterior lights can give the appearance that someone is at home. To go the extra mile, use timers to turn on the television and radio in your living room. 

As an alternative, you may choose to put your exterior lights on motion sensors that turn the lights on whenever someone steps onto your property. This can effectively deter a burglar at night, but will not create the appearance that your home is occupied by an actual person. Since many burglaries actually occurring during the day, motion sensors are a less effective tool at deterring intruders.

Have a Neighbor or Friend Park in Your Driveway 

Ask a trusted neighbor to park his or her car in your driveway in the evening or during the day--whenever he or she is at home. Like the lights on timers, this creates the appearance of human activity on your property, signaling to potential intruders that someone is at home. 

Avoid Advertising Your Absence On Social Media

Avoid posting your departure and return date on social media sites. Telling people on the Internet when you're leaving, where you're going and when you're returning can lead to the wrong person finding out when your home is empty. 

For more ideas and ways to improve your home security, speak with a home security professional. When you do, ask about acquiring a home security system for your property. These DIY methods, while relatively effective, are best used in conjunction with an alarm system. By pairing an alarm system with these DIY methods, you can create multiple levels of security and ensure that your home is as well protected as possible.