Home Safety Tips for a Secure Summer
As the summer season kicks in, many of us in Milton, Oakville, and Burlington are excited about vacationing, heading to the cottage, or enjoying local sporting events and kids’ activities. However, while we’re out and about, we must ensure our homes are secure. Here are some valuable tips to keep your home safe from break-ins while you’re enjoying the summer:
Install a Home Security System
Investing in a reliable home security system is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars. Modern systems offer features like motion sensors, door and window sensors, and real-time monitoring that can alert you and the authorities if there’s an intruder.
Using Smart Home Technology for Home Security
We’re big advocates of using your smart home features to sell your home, but they can also serve you well with home security! Utilize smart home devices such as smart locks, doorbell cameras, and smart lighting. These can be controlled remotely or set to run on automations, allowing you to monitor and control your home’s security even when you’re miles away.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence on Social Media
As a team of Milton real estate agents, we often advise tenants to cleanse their social media; this advice would serve well to homeowners going on vacation, too. Avoid posting your vacation on social media. Sharing real-time updates about your whereabouts can inform potential burglars that your home is empty. Save those vacation photos for when you’re back. Alternatively, ensure your privacy settings on social and your followers are limited to those closest to you, or utilize features like Instagram’s Close Friends’ List and only allow those people to see your vacation stories.
Establish a Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood watch programs are highly underutilized. Something as simple as exchanging contact information with people on your street and encouraging each other to inform each other of questionable activity, or informing trusted neighbours about your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your property can go a long way. A strong community network can be a great line of defence against break-ins. It not only increases the safety of you, your family, and your home, it will add to the enjoyment of living in your community as you establish friendships with those nearby.
Hold Your Mail
Utilize a mail hold service to avoid overloading the mailbox, and ask a neighbour to remove flyers from your door. Nothing says you’re away like a front door littered with real estate flyers!
Light Up Your Home
Burglars prefer to target dark, unoccupied homes. Use timers and home automation to turn on lights at different times, making it look like someone is home. Consider installing outdoor motion-sensor lights to illuminate potential hiding spots around your property.
Secure Windows and Doors
How often have you just hit the road, Before leaving, ensure all windows and doors are locked securely. Reinforce sliding doors with a security bar or dowel in the track. Double-check that all entry points, including garage doors, are properly secured.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
It should be no surprise that keeping valuables out of site is a good idea. Whether it’s a home invasion or a smash-and-grab of your purse in the passenger seat of your vehicle, if you make it easy for thieves, they will take advantage of it. Avoid leaving valuable items visible through windows. Store expensive electronics, jewelry, and important documents in a safe or hidden spot.
Schedule Regular Lawn and Garden Care
Not only is an overgrown lawn and garden a sure sign that nobody’s home, but overgrown bushes and trees provide cover for burglars. Maintain a clear line of sight from the street to your front door, making it harder for intruders to go unnoticed.
Emergency Contact List
Have a list of emergency contacts that include local police, trusted neighbours, and family members who live nearby. Share your contact details with them if they need to reach you.
By taking these proactive steps, you can enjoy your summer activities with peace of mind, knowing your home in Milton, Oakville, or Burlington is well-protected. For more home safety tips or real estate advice, contact The Kormendy Trott Team. We’re here to help keep your home safe and secure all year round!
Stay safe, and enjoy your summer!
