How to Safeguard Your Home from Common Summer Security Risks

For many, summertime means hazy days spent relaxing by the pool, long road trips, and family vacations. But nothing takes the fun out of a summer vacation like returning home to a house that’s been ransacked. Empty homes are indeed more vulnerable in the summer months, but there are a few proactive strategies to minimize potential security risks.

Invest in a home security system

Home security systems have come a long way in the past decade. Installation is often simple enough for even non-handy homeowners to take care of, and there are options to suit any budget. If a comprehensive security system with cameras, alarms, and motion detectors is feasible, this is one of the best ways to protect your home. Many of them can be accessed via your smartphone, too. And while simple door cameras can be an effective deterrent, round-the-clock monitoring can bring total peace of mind while you’re away from home.

Post security signs and stickers

Making your house a less attractive target can help prevent trouble before it starts. One way to do this is to post security signs on the lawn and stickers on the doors and windows. Even if you don’t actually have a comprehensive, monitored security system, this might be enough to keep would-be burglars at bay.

Keep doors and windows secure

Don’t make it easy on a potential home invader. Before leaving your home, ensure all window and door locks are functional and engaged.

Use smart locks

Of course, it’s best to ensure all locks are physically engaged before you leave, but everybody has moments when they either forget to lock the door behind them or just aren’t sure if they did. If this sounds like you, invest in smart locks. These control your door remotely — if you forget to lock (or want to check), you can access the door through your smartphone.

Read more: Guide to finding your key type

Utilize outdoor lighting

Intruders may be more likely to strike a home that seems empty. Take advantage of this (and make some improvements to your curb appeal) by adding outdoor lighting around the perimeter of your home, focusing on doors or other points of entry. Motion sensors that trigger specific lights are another way to startle would-be intruders and convince them to look elsewhere.

Install timers on lights and electronics

If you’re traveling for long periods, the last thing you want to come home to (other than a house that’s been broken into) is the astronomical utility bill that comes when you leave lights on 24/7 as a precaution. The simple fix? Install timers on lights and electronics. These can be programmed to turn on and off at strategic times, making it appear that the house is occupied nightly by a family watching TV.

Keep your lawn tidy

A lawn that needs a trim is one thing, but a house that looks like a vacant lot is another. You may not need to schedule yardwork if you’re just out of town overnight, but pre-book lawn care services for longer trips. Those neatly trimmed hedges also make it harder for burglars to hide and offer clear sightlines from doors and windows.

Place a hold on your mail

Uncollected mail and newspapers piling up can signal no one’s home far faster than other indicators. It’s simple to place a hold on your mail for any length of time, and your mail carrier can deliver anything that accumulates once you return.

Don’t advertise your absence on social media

Of course, you want to share your vacation with friends on social media, but do it carefully. Posting about your month-long trip through Europe is like rolling out the welcome mat for potential intruders. It’s not hard to find out where people live through social media; save the trip updates for after you’re safely home.

Make friends with neighbors

It can be hard to reach out to neighbors, especially if your house is an investment and you don’t plan on living there. Still, it’s worth it. Developing friendly relationships with neighbors will make them more inclined to keep an eye on your home when you’re out of town.

Pay attention to your garage

Many people focus on their home’s doors and windows as potential entry points and completely forget about their garage. Some older garage doors can be manually lifted, while some people simply forget to close the door when they leave. A smart garage door opener can address forgetfulness, but if your door can’t be locked or can be shimmied under, consider an upgrade.

Secure valuables

Important documents, jewelry with monetary or sentimental value, and other expensive objects should be secured in safe deposit boxes or home safes. When you leave for vacation, walk around the perimeter of your home to see if anything valuable, such as electronics or high-end small appliances, is easily visible. Conceal it if so.

Add security film for windows

Security film can be easily installed over glass, making it harder to break. Some types are also tinted, further obscuring any potential targets for theft.

Get a better hiding place for spare keys

Some homeowners return from their time away to find a home that has been cleaned out with no sign of forced entry. The culprit? That key “cleverly hidden” in the flowerpot, above the door, or under the welcome mat. These most common hiding spots are well-known to thieves. Consider storing a spare key farther away from your house in a less obvious place.

Read more: Reasons to rekey or replace your locks

Carefully schedule service providers

If you have service providers coming to your home while you’re away, double-check their credentials and ensure they are uniformed and traveling in marked vehicles. You can also tell your neighbors when they are scheduled so there is no misunderstanding. It’s always better to be present when workers are at your house, but if there’s an emergency and it’s unavoidable, take proper steps to protect your home.

Enjoy your time away

When you take the time to implement a few safety strategies, you significantly reduce the risk of summer security threats and ensure your home remains safe and secure. This peace of mind means a more enjoyable vacation and no unwelcome surprises when you return.

Read more: Predicting security technology trends

Written by Billy Guteng. August 3, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.