Headed out of town for a summer vacation? Every year many vacationers leave town for a week or more and go far away to forget their cares in the normal working world.
While away, however, it's not particularly wise to completely forget what's going on back home.
There should be some concerns that weigh on your mind.
Some people have a pet in the kennel, others leave a teenage or young adult child at home to study or work, and others are simply concerned about their home security.
One can set up all the automatic light timers and home security systems they like before leaving, but those things do little to ease your mind in the moment when far, far away from home.
In such cases, one might ask, "what can I do while on vacation to improve my home's safety?" There are some basic and some technological measures to take, such as the ones below, that let you stay proactive in protecting your home, even while away on vacation.
Elect or hire a contact to check up on the property.
If you have someone of confidence, or feel comfortable hiring someone to check in once in a while and make sure all is well with your home and property, it is the best way to get an accurate report back as to what is going on.
A friend or neighbor who is already in the area might be a top choice, since they will be able to report back any new developments in the neighborhood, or any concerns that might affect you such as flooding, fires, or other natural disasters or inclement weather in the area.
Offer to return the favor when your contact goes out of town and you've got a top notch security system already in place.
Try a remote viewing video surveillance system.
If you want to be able to see what's happening on your property for yourself, today remote viewing video surveillance systems can be very handy.
Such systems can often be viewed from a secure website, or even with a feed to your cell phone or other mobile device, so that no matter where you are it's possible to see your lawn and/or home.
Some such systems can be expensive, and others quite affordable.
Cameras come in a wide variety of styles with a wide variety of features.
Some video surveillance systems are black and white while others have color and sound, some systems are wireless while others must be hard wired.
There are some that even turn on or alert you automatically when motion is detected! Install a monitored home security system.
For the ultimate in peace of mind, try installing a monitored system that alerts local security professionals whenever a disturbance is detected.
Such a disturbance may be a flood or fire, or even a home intrusion or an attempted break in.
With such a system, the sound of the alarm is not the only line of defense to scare a burglar away.
The immediate arrival of authorities means that someone is there to protect and defend your home and property, even while you're away on vacation.