Keep Your Home Safe This Summer

Thank you to SimpliSafe for this guest post. I did not receive compensation for this post. 

Now that the summer months are here, homeowners should begin considering the ways in which they can protect their homes. With the warmer weather, homeowners tend to get laxer with keeping their home safe. For instance, they often keep windows open or unlocked to easily get a warm summer breeze throughout the home. Because of reasons such as this, home burglary rates increase in the summertime. Luckily, you can use the following tips to decrease the chance of this happening to your home.

Assess Your Home

The first step you should take to protect your home is by putting yourself in the shoes of a burglar. Step outside and look for any weak points your home has. Are there windows that are easy to break in to? Are there shady spots someone would be able to hide in? Are there trees that lead up to a window on the second floor that a burglar could climb? Take the necessary steps to protect your home from these weaknesses.

Outside Your Home

When you’re away for an extended amount of time, it’s important to keep the outside of your home tidy so it’s not obvious that the home is empty. One way to do so is to ask a friend or neighbor to take care of your yard. This includes mowing regularly, taking out garbage cans, and picking up any packages left at your house. Another great tip is to keep your mail and newspapers on hold until you get back. A crowded mailbox is a dead giveaway that no one has been home! Last, but certainly not least, if you have any spare keys you normally keep outside, you’ll want to either keep them inside while you’re away or keep them with a trusted family member or friend.

Inside Your Home

There are some great ways to make the house appear lived in within the home also, such as keeping lights on timers. Set a couple lights on a timer so when the sun goes down, it looks like someone is inside. You should also close your blinds so no one can look in and find clues that the home is empty. Prep the house for your time away by cleaning and turning off electronics, gas, and water. It’s a good idea to take the time to clean your fridge, dishes, and garbage disposal. You don’t want the smell of old food bringing in any other unwanted visitors – bugs!

Protect Your Home

While you’re away, it’s crucial to do all you can to keep your home and possessions safe. To start, close and lock all your windows and doors. Burglars are much more likely to attempt to break into houses with windows or doors that are open or easy to force into. Next, check that your alarm system is functioning properly and has all the correct contact information. If you have them available, put yard signs out to show that your home is protected by an alarm system. 60% of burglars won’t pursue a target if it has evidence of home security. Home safety is always evolving, so SimpliSafe is a great resource to check out for more safety tips involving your alarm system. Finally, in the case that someone does manage to break in, hide your valuables away in a safety deposit box so they’re protected.