Keep Your Home Secure in Boise, Eagle, Meridian

You wouldn’t advertise that you were going on vacation if you knew that it could lead a burglar to seek out your home and yet many people who will travel this holiday season will do just that without a second thought; even worse most will do more to alert others than they ever realize. Once a vulnerable home has been identified it takes only 5 – 15 minutes for someone to break in and leave with cash and valuables.  Here are some tips to keep your home safe while you are on vacation.

1. Ask for the help of a few select friends and neighbors. Having someone check in on your home once a day while you are gone is perhaps the best way to protect your home and belongings during a prolonged absence from home. These helpers should contact local authorities if they see suspicious or criminal activity or in the case of an emergency and most importantly know how to contact you.
2. Do not post about your upcoming vacation on social media sites.   These sites are often trolled by people looking for opportunity.  It’s best to share the news and your photos with friends and family once you are safely home.
3. Make arrangements for any recurring deliveries. Request the post office hold your mail delivery during your vacation by clicking here.Place a vacation hold on your Idaho Statesman delivery here.
4. Unplug. Unplug appropriate appliances and electronics while you are away.   This will protect them from an electronic surge and help reduce unnecessary electrical use that occurs even when they are not in use.
5. Secure your spare key. Let’s face it, no one is fooled by your fake rock hide-a-key, and will look under planters, on the door ledge and shelves and under the mat to find an easy way to access your home.
6. Simulate Occupancy. Install automatic timers and set the living room lights from dusk until 10 pm. Then have a bedroom light come on for an appropriate amount of time.  Have a neighbor park their car in the driveway and adjust your curtains also keeps your home looking lived in.
7. If you require garbage collection while you are away ask a neighbor or friend to take your bins to the curb and collect them once they have been emptied.
8. Plan for exterior maintenance. The accumulation of leaves in the fall and snow/ice in the winter can be a sign of an unoccupied home. Arrange for these things to be taken care of if it becomes necessary.
9. Contact your City of Trees Real Estate team. We will watch over your home while you are away or provide you with referrals to our favorite vendors who can help with landscaping or snow removal needs.

The peace of mind you will have will make the time it takes to make these arrangements worth it.   And don’t forget to be a good neighbor and return the favor while others are on vacation as a way to create a strong and healthy neighborhood.