Heading out for a relaxing getaway should be just that—relaxing. Yet many homeowners feel anxious about the security of their unattended house instead of enjoying their well-deserved trip. Fortunately, taking proper precautions before vacation can give you real peace of mind while you’re away. Follow these home protection tips from the Philadelphia residential locksmith experts at Nonstop Locksmith 24/7 to secure your residence during travel.
Don’t Let Your Mail, Newspapers, and Packages Pile Up
If you’re only going to be gone for a week or so, you can also ask a trusted neighbor to stop by and collect any mail or packages on a regular basis.
Put Your Lights and TVs on Timers
Home automation systems can mimic lived-in lighting activity, but if you don’t have that set up, putting a few interior and exterior lights on timers will help create the illusion that someone is home. Putting a television or radio on a timer also deter potential intruders from targeting your overly-quiet residence.
There’s a wide variety of timers with pre-set programs that will turn lights, TVs, or radios on and off at slightly different times each day to mimic your normal activity and you can purchase them from your favorite online shop, big box store, or local hardware store.
Make Sure All Doors and Windows are Secure
Before you leave for your trip make sure you take time to inspect every exterior door and window in your home and make sure all the locks are working properly and your exterior door deadbolts extend fully into the door frames. Consider upgrading to high-security locks that offer elevated drilling and picking resistance for better protection.
Rekey Your Exterior Door Locks
One of the best options for improving your home’s security is to have a qualified locksmith install a high-quality deadbolt and wrap plate to provide extra security against forced entry.
Most of us will give a copy of our house key to a trusted neighbor for emergency situations, but if you’re not sure who else has a copy you may want to consider hiring a local residential locksmith like Nonstop Locksmith 24/7 to rekey the locks on your exterior doors. Rekeying the lock cylinder to work with a brand new key is quicker and generally less expensive than changing the entire lock and has the same benefit of greatly improving your security.
Hire a Locksmith for Added Security
In addition to rekeying your locks before your vacation, we recommend you speak to a trusted locksmith like Nonstop Locksmith 24/7 about additional security solutions. Our highly-trained locksmiths can beef up your home’s security by installing high-security deadbolts, reinforcing door frames, adding bump-proof locks, and installing Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks that allow you to set up access codes for friends or family from anywhere in the world that you have wi-fi access while traveling away for multiple weeks. A professional locksmith’s security expertise can give you added peace of mind that your home will be safe in your absence.
We’ll Help You Secure Your Home so You Can Enjoy Your Vacation
Following preventative security measures allows you to fully relax and soak up the serenity that vacation promises without worrying about home invasions or theft. Partnering with an experienced residential locksmith like Nonstop Locksmith 24/7 will make sure your home is always secure while you’re home and away. Contact us prior to your upcoming travels to discuss specialized services for deterring break-ins so your home stays just as you left it.
