With summer in full swing, a lot of people will be heading off on road trips. Before you hit the highway, you need to consider taking some steps to secure your home. Here's some practical advice on how to protect your property while you're away.
- Invest in a home security system - It can monitor your property and some models even call the cops if there's a problem. They may also detect glass breakage and can give you peace of mind when you’re home or away.
- Reinforce your doors and windows - Try a kit like Armor Concepts, designed to strengthen doors against forced entry. You could also install window reinforcements, or simply put a dowel in each window. Private security expert Rob Jackson explains: “make sure that if someone tries to get into your home, they would have to make so much noise and effort to breach it that it wouldn’t make sense, and they’d choose another target.”
- Make it look like you’re still home - Jackson suggests setting up light timers and installing motion detector lights outdoors. Automated curtains can add to the illusion of someone being home. Also, creating the illusion of a dog can deter burglars. Jackson advises leaving a worn-out dog leash or bowl at the door. And if you live alone, another nice touch is leaving used men's shoes at the door to give the impression someone is home.
- Don’t forget the garage - Your garage can be an easy target for thieves. If you have glass windows, spray them with 'frost' to make them opaque. And make it harder to open the garage from outside by removing the handle on your manual release cord and blocking the door with a rod or lock.
- Other good tips to consider before heading out of town are avoiding sharing your travel plans on social media until you're back, especially if your account is public. Also, hide your valuables where they can't be seen from outside, or put them in a safe if you have one.
Hopefully these tips will help you go on that road trip and not have to worry about what’s happening back home. Enjoy your summer and stay safe, folks!
Source: Lifehacker