Relax knowing your home is safe and secure.
Summer is here, which means the vacation season is officially in full force.
But unfortunately, your time away from home also makes your house more vulnerable to burglary.
Elena Rui/Getty Images
Elena Rui/Getty Images
However, that doesnt mean you should go away and be worried.
Rather, the contrary.
Consider this the perfect opportunity to finally get proactive about securing your home.
Here are four things you should always do before you go on vacation.
A property that remains dark all night might signal to potential thieves that the house is unoccupied.
Automated smart lighting inside and out can be very effective in deterring burglars.
Vivint offers a smart lighting system that allows you to create custom schedules on an easy-to-use app.
Keep in mind that you dont need to buy smart bulbs for every room.
Start with just the rooms that have windows facing the street.
Dont forget to take one last look before you hit the road.
Nye tells me it can be easy to miss that basement window or that back door you rarely use.
Smart locks are a far better solution to this problem.
you could also stay notified of their activity the whole time, says Nye.
No time to install a smart lock before you go?
Plan for Package Deliveries
Did you order sunscreen and it didnt arrive in time?
What about that monthly box subscription scheduled to arrive the day after you leave?
Nye advises planning for package deliveries and using a doorbell camera (they’re often part ofwireless doorbellsystems).
He recommends protecting your home by placing orders that will be delivered before or after your vacation.
You also ask a neighbor to come by and take your packages inside while you’re away.
Then return the favor by doing the same for them while theyre on vacation.
