Holidays play an important role in ensuring we enjoy a well balanced and wholesome life. That is why it is important for everyone to have a time when they can relax, take it easy and get away from the hassle and pressures of everyday living.
However, taking off on a holiday can cause worry and anxiety. This is because you may not have an elaborate security solution in place at the time you are looking to go on holiday. There are a number of measures that you can take, so as to ensure your home and property remains safe for the duration you will be away.
Have a contact person
While away on vacation, you will need to have a trusted and reliable person regularly check upon your home. Give them a copy of your house keys so that they can access and inspect the house as well as information on your holiday plans, so that they know where and how to reach you, should the need arise.
Your contact person should also collect mail and newspapers for you, so as not to attract unwanted interest. Having accumulated mail and newspapers on the porch, is a sign that no one is around.
Lock all entry points
While it is rather obvious that you need to lock all your doors, windows and other entry points, there are a lot of people who forget to do this. A single opening, left unlocked, will render all your other precautions useless.
If your home has sliding windows and door frames, place strips of wood to block their sliding so as to make it difficult for anyone who attempts to access your house. You should also leave your window coverings as you normally have them. Those who usually have their window coverings drawn, should leave them that way or at least half shut to avoid making it obvious that no one is at home.
Lighting
Having a house with no lights on for several days is a clear indication that no one is around. You need to leave a few lights in the house on timers. Having some lights go on and off, shows that there is some activity going on in the house and helps to keep away trouble makers. Motion sensor lights are also great as they tend to go on whenever there is some movement around the perimeter of your house.
There are a number of other ideas that can help improve the security of your home when you are away on holiday. Having your lawn and garden tended to while you are away and leaving your car in the drive way, are some of the other ideas you can use to give the impression that there is someone around the house.
You should however ensure that the person gardening or tending to your lawn can be trusted as they will easily detect that no one is around. You could also have a house sitter if you do not mind and happen to have someone readily available to do it.
Christianne Child is a top sales representative and award winning Realtor in Guelph. For more tips on how to sell your house for top dollar, or for help buying a house, check out her website at www.ChrisChild.ca.
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