As temperatures rise, many Arizonans start to clear out. Many go on vacation, and others leave to escape the heat. While this time of year fosters lots of fun, movement, and family time, it also increases home security risks.
Whether you’re taking off for a cruise or heading up north, extended travel increases your risk of home burglary and theft. As a homeowner, it’s important to think about security to keep your property and belongings safe.
One of the most important things you can do is make your house look lived-in when you are away. A house that appears to be empty tends to attract burglars. Thankfully, there are ways to deter them and keep your property safe.
DEEPER DIVE: Abandoned North Phoenix project gets new life as $190 million sports complex
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Want more news like this? Get our free newsletter here
Smart home system
Smart home systems are an excellent way to protect your home while you’re away. A universal system that lets you control all aspects of security from a single place is the best option. You will be able to control the lights and television remotely, giving the impression that someone is on the property.
Many smart home packages are customizable. This allows you to select the features that are best for your home and manage them together. You can control everything from alarm systems, locks, to automated lights from the same system. It can also notify you when someone is on the property, allowing you to activate alarms.
If you have an alarm system installed, remember to turn it on before leaving. It sounds obvious, but many people forget it before leaving. Alarms are the main deterrent to trespassers when activated. If the alarms aren’t set before you leave, there’s really no point in having them.
Doorbell and hard-wired cameras
Having a video doorbell camera at the front door and cameras at every entry point is an effective way to deter burglars and package thieves. It’s a great security measure that’s affordable and easy to install. You can purchase one almost anywhere, from Amazon to Target, and install it yourself.
It’s important to ensure the camera is visible. Even if you choose to opt out of the subscription service, just having a visible camera is oftentimes enough to deter burglars and thieves. However, if you opt for the subscription, the door camera can record activity and notify you when someone is at the door.
The only downside to doorbell cameras is that they often rely on Wi-Fi. If the Wi-Fi goes down, it won’t record. Being able to catch the culprit is important because it can help law enforcement. However, despite the downside, simply having a camera on your door is often enough to deter burglars.
Hard-wired cameras are also a great option for some people. They don’t require Wi-Fi and require professional installation. These cameras are always running. They’re also less maintenance because you don’t have to replace the batteries or recharge them. This is a great option for those who need 24/7 increased security.
Smart locks
Smart locks are a great option if you plan to have someone enter your home, whether to deliver groceries, pet sit, or for any other purpose that requires home access. This allows for secure access without increasing the risk of others entering. One of the worst things you can do is leave a key under the doormat. Since it’s such a popular method, that’s the first place burglars check when they want to break into a home.
Smart locks require a code to gain entry, eliminating the risks associated with using a key. You can also control the lock remotely. This makes it easy to ensure the door is locked after guests leave. With smart locks, you can also assign different codes to different people, so you can easily tell who’s been in and out of the home.
Before you leave, be proactive about your home’s security. As humans, we have a bad habit of not thinking something will happen until it does. Get ahead of the risks and protect your home. It will save you stress in the long run.
Author: Jason Fischbeck is the owner of Automated Environmentsin Mesa, Arizona, a smart home security consultant and installer. He has been with Automated Environments for over 25 years.
