How to Keep Your Home Secure While on Vacation

Taking a vacation should be a time of rest and relaxation—not a source of stress about your home’s safety. Unfortunately, unoccupied homes are prime targets for burglars and vulnerable to other issues like fire, flooding, or power outages.

The good news is that a few simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk and give you peace of mind while you’re away. Here’s how to keep your home secure during your vacation.

1. Don’t Make It Obvious You’re Away

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is unintentionally advertising their absence. Social media posts, uncollected mail, and dark windows at night all signal that no one is home.

Here’s what you can do:

• Avoid posting about your travel plans or current location online.
• Pause mail and newspaper delivery, or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them.
• Use timers or smart lighting systems to turn lights on and off at intervals.
• Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway occasionally.

2. Invest in a Home Security System

A professionally installed and monitored home security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your property. These systems can detect unauthorized entry, smoke, carbon monoxide, or flooding—and notify both you and the authorities immediately.

Look for a system that includes:

• Door and window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Indoor and outdoor security cameras
• 24/7 monitoring
• Remote mobile access

If you already have a system, test it before your trip and notify your monitoring provider of your travel dates.

3. Secure All Entry Points

Before leaving, inspect every possible entry point in your home. This includes front and back doors, ground-floor and basement windows, sliding doors, and the garage.

Recommendations:

• Ensure all doors and windows are locked.
• Install deadbolts and use door reinforcement kits where needed.
• Secure sliding glass doors with a rod or bar in the track.
• Use smart locks that allow you to monitor and control access remotely.

4. Use Smart Home Technology

Smart home devices can make it look like you’re home, alert you to activity, and help manage your home while you’re away.

Useful smart devices include:

• Smart lights programmed to turn on and off randomly
• Smart plugs to control TVs or radios
• Smart thermostats to adjust your home’s climate while saving energy
• Doorbell cameras to see and speak to anyone at your door

All of these tools can be controlled from your smartphone.

5. Get Help from a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to check in on your home while you’re away. They can pick up mail, water plants, take out trash, and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

Be sure to leave them with:

• A key or smart lock code
• Your contact information
• Instructions in case of emergency

Let them know if you have an alarm system and how to operate it if needed.

6. Manage Deliveries and Protect Valuables

A pile of packages at your door signals that no one is home. Avoid leaving anything out in the open.

Suggestions:

• Pause online orders or schedule deliveries after your return
• Use secure delivery lockers or pickup points
• Store jewelry, important documents, and cash in a safe or safety deposit box

7. Protect Against Environmental Risks

Break-ins aren’t the only danger when you’re not home. Fires, leaks, or power outages can cause major damage.

Steps to take:

• Unplug non-essential appliances to prevent power surges
• Shut off water valves or use smart leak detectors
• Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working
• Install environmental sensors that can alert you to temperature drops, leaks, or unusual activity

8. Run a Final Security Check Before You Leave

Before heading out the door, walk through your home and double-check everything:

• All doors and windows are locked
• Lights are set on timers or smart schedules
• Security system is armed
• Valuables are hidden or secured
• Mail and deliveries are paused or covered
• Trusted contact is informed and available

Final Thoughts

Securing your home while on vacation doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mix of preparation, technology, and trusted help, you can travel confidently knowing your home is protected.

If you’re considering upgrading your security system before your next trip, a professionally installed and monitored system offers unmatched peace of mind.

Contact OnGuard Security Solutions today for a free home security consultation and let us help you protect what matters—so you can truly enjoy your time away.

Kirk Booher, Onguards.