Protect Your Home Better This Summer With These Tips

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning a vacation and neglect to double-check that your home is safe and secure. During the hottest months of the year, the rate of home property victimization and theft also surges—and it’s not very coincidentally the season when many of us submit vacation leave requests and pack our bags.

You shouldn’t have to worry about what's going on at home while you're out enjoying the sunshine. Other than securing home insurance, here are seven home security ideas to keep your home safe while you're away this summer:

#1: Double-Check All the Doors and Windows

Your first line of defense against intruders is to ensure that your home's windows and doors are properly shut and locked. A few weeks before your travel, you can do this to provide time to engage a locksmith to replace or rekey your locks. Then, as you prepare to leave for your vacation, double-check that your home is secure.

#2: Install a Home Security System

A home security system is another option to defend your home. Many popular home security systems have remote access, allowing you to monitor your house from your smartphone. You may use your iPhone to lock/unlock doors and check on pets via security cameras in real-time. Another perk is that if you install a security system, your insurance provider may give you a discount (which could help you pay for it!).

#3: Set Light Timers While You're Away

Light timers are one effective way to secure your home. They're inexpensive, simple to install, and make it appear that your home is occupied. Select a timer with a "random on/off" feature. If your lights are programmed to switch on and off at different times throughout the day and night, robbers may find it difficult to tell if your house is empty.

#4: Put Security Lights Up Outside

While we’re on the topic of lights, remember to illuminate the outside of your home as well. As burglars cruise the neighborhood, they look for dark and secluded homes and spaces. To boost home security, consider adding motion-activated security lights around your property. This will not only scare the would-be burglar, but it will also brighten the area and make them more apparent.

#5: Remove "Hidden" Keys

More than a third of burglars enter a property through the front door, frequently using the homeowner's "hidden" key. Remove any keys that are under your doormat or in another prominent spot. You might also want to consider replacing your typical front door lock with a keyless lock, eliminating the need for a key at all.

#6: Keep Your Valuables Locked Up in a Safe

Consider purchasing a safe to protect your belongings from intruders. Ensure that the safe is waterproof and fireproof so that you can safeguard your possessions in case of a natural disaster. Hide your safe in a location where robbers are less likely to look to secure your possessions.

#7: Inform Your Neighbors That You'll Be Gone for a While

If you trust your neighbors, it's a good idea to let them know you'll be gone and leave a phone number where they can contact you. Notify them of any visitors to your home while you're gone, such as a house sitter or dog walker. To be extra safe, ask your neighborhood watch to keep an eye out for any strange behavior in your area.

Keep Your Home Protected This Summer with Sanford Insurance Center!

It's critical to understand the ins and outs of your insurance coverage, whether it's searing blue skies or raining cats and dogs. Learn more about the best property insurance in Florida and make sure you have the range you need to keep safe no matter what the weather throws at you.