How to Keep Your Home Secure While on Vacation

Travel Worry-Free with Smart Home Protection

Heading out on vacation should be relaxing—but for many homeowners, leaving their house unattended brings stress and uncertainty. What if someone breaks in? What if there’s a fire, flood, or power outage while you’re gone?

At OnGuard Security Solutions, we believe your home should be just as protected while you’re away as it is when you’re home. Here’s how to keep your property secure so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

---

1. Invest in a Professionally Monitored Security System

The most effective way to protect your home while on vacation is with a professionally installed, monitored alarm system.

With OnGuard, your system will:

• Detect break-ins, fire, carbon monoxide, and water leaks
• Send instant alerts to our 24/7 UL-listed monitoring center
• Notify emergency services immediately if needed
• Let you monitor everything remotely via smartphone

Whether you’re on the beach or abroad, you’ll have total control and visibility.

---

2. Use Smart Lighting and Schedules

A dark, silent house is an open invitation to burglars. Instead:

• Use smart lights to turn on/off on a schedule
• Program lights in different rooms at different times
• Consider smart plugs for TVs or radios to simulate presence

This creates the illusion that someone’s home—even when you’re not.

---

3. Secure Doors, Windows, and Garage Access

Before you leave:

• Double-check all doors and windows are locked
• Arm all entry sensors and motion detectors
• Use smart locks for keyless control and remote access
• Disable garage door remotes and use a manual lock or smart garage sensor

OnGuard systems can alert you if a door is left open—or if anyone tries to gain entry.

---

4. Hold Deliveries and Mail

A stack of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox signals that no one is home.

• Use USPS’s mail-hold service
• Pause newspaper delivery
• Ask a neighbor or friend to bring in packages
• Or install a smart video doorbell to monitor deliveries and speak to visitors remotely

---

5. Don’t Advertise Your Vacation on Social Media

It’s tempting to post vacation pics in real time—but it can also alert potential intruders that your home is unoccupied.

• Wait until you’re home to share
• Avoid “countdown” posts before you leave
• Review your privacy settings on social media platforms

---

6. Use Outdoor Cameras and Motion Detection

Visible security cameras are a proven deterrent. With OnGuard’s smart surveillance:

• Get motion-triggered alerts when someone approaches your property
• Watch live footage from anywhere
• Store video in the cloud in case of an incident

Position cameras at front/back doors, garages, and any side entrances for full coverage.

---

7. Have Someone Check In

Even with automation, it’s helpful to have a trusted neighbor or friend:

• Check the property every few days
• Water plants or bring in trash bins
• Confirm that lights and systems are working properly

You can even give them temporary smart lock access and monitor entry logs remotely.

---

Bonus Tip: Prepare for Power or HVAC Issues

Unexpected power failures or HVAC malfunctions can cause damage while you’re away.

• Install smart thermostats and water sensors
• Receive alerts if temperatures drop too low or a leak is detected
• Let OnGuard monitor critical systems for early warnings

---

Final Thoughts

Vacation should be stress-free—and with a smart, professionally monitored home security system from OnGuard, it can be.

We help you combine burglary prevention, environmental monitoring, and remote access into one complete solution so you can travel with confidence.