Security brings relaxation

We go on vacation because we want to get away from life for a while and relax. We don’t want to be burdened with worry about bills or our family and friends. We want to have a stress-free experience that gets us out of our own head and focuses on fun and living in the moment. The problem is that if we’re not taking steps before our trip to ensure our home is safe, then we’re not going to be able to relax. Little can destroy our comfort and peace like knowing something is amiss at home and that someone has intruded on our haven. Pack your bags and head out with a clear mind by using these tips.

Don’t stop the maintenance

Nothing says no one is home like long grass and overgrown gardens. If you regularly cut the grass and keep your flower beds in pristine condition, then you will want to keep this up while you’re away. Hire someone if you don’t already. Keeping up this kind of maintenance gives the impression that people are still at home taking care of their property. This includes automated systems. If you have sprinklers set to go off at a specific time, keep them running on that routine. If you typically have outside lights come on at night, keep that schedule. Don’t stop these to save a bit of money because they could save your home.

Have people stop by

Enlist the help of a friend or family member while you’re gone. They can drive by at random times and survey the area to make sure nothing is amiss. More than that, they can collect your mail so it’s not piling up and alerting would-be intruders that you’re away for a while. They can keep your plants watered and ensure your home is secure. For added security and to keep up the facade, you can have them take trash cans to the curb in an effort to show that maintenance and routines are being kept.

Keep quiet until you return

Don’t let people know that you’re going to be away from home. Don’t noise it up on social media that you’re taking an amazing road trip. Don’t upload pictures of your vacation as it happens because people will know you’re not home and won’t be deterred by your security efforts. Wait until you’re back to upload the pictures and tell everyone what an amazing time you had while you were away.

Clear away all spare keys

While you may keep your keys under a mat or rock while you’re home, it’s not a good idea to leave them there while you’re gone. When you’re home, you come and go regularly, and it gives someone less time to search for keys. While you’re gone, they have all that time to look for a spare set of keys, so make sure you pick them up and give them to someone you can trust.

Assess security equipment

Now is not the time to let your security equipment fail you. Check on it, making sure everything is in working order and that the batteries are good to last while you’re away. You may consider investing in even more security equipment if you don’t have much.

Put away valuables

Don’t advertise your valuables. Make sure they can’t be seen through the windows. Tuck them away, or secure them somewhere else where prying eyes can’t see them. If you’ve recently made any big purchases, make sure the boxes are taken care of and not in sight – throw them away or lock them in your garage or attic so you’re not advertising that new 50-inch TV you just bought.

Prepare your home

Security isn’t only protecting your home from intruders but from damage of all kinds. It’s a good idea to shut off the water, make sure your chimney and gutters are cleaned, and take care of any maintenance you may have been putting off so you don’t come home to a damaged mess.

Now that your home is secure, don’t forget your second home. RV tires and wheels can take a beating while we’re on vacation. They’re one of the biggest safety features of our vehicles, so it’s important that we have them covered. With our tire and wheel protection, you can take comfort in knowing that if you get a flat, the RV Advisor has your back!