August 24, 2021
Take a worry-free vacation with these home security tips.
Leaving your home for several days at a time can be nerve-racking. What if you left something on? What if you forgot to lock the front door? Luckily, with the help of wifi-powered devices and a few security measures, you can relax knowing everything is exactly the way it should be.
1. Wifi-Enabled Camera
Your home is filled with personal and valuable items that can be difficult to leave behind unattended. Don’t worry. With the help of a wifi-enabled camera you can keep an eye on your home from wherever you are. Depending on how much money you want to spend, you can get a quality camera with a variety of features. However, all you’ll need for peace of mind are some basics, such as night vision, two-way audio and motion detection with alerts. For a full view of your entire home, install both an outdoor and indoor camera. If an intrusion occurs, some cameras will let you set off an alarm or you can quickly call the police.
2. Smart Devices
No matter how many times you check, the worry of possibly leaving your oven on may still haunt you. Luckily, you don’t have to spend an entire vacation wondering with the help of smart home devices. From devices that automatically turn off the stove to smart thermostats that regulate the temperature, you’ll be able to control what’s happening in your home even if you’re miles away.
3. Secure Your Entry Points
Lock and key are the first line of defense for protecting your home, but those can easily be surpassed. Make sure all entry points are secured before leaving on vacation to help stop intruders from getting in. If you have windows that slide open, try setting a bar on the track to keep them from being pried open. Do you have a spare key hidden under the mat? Most people do, and it’s probably the first place trespassers look. Upgrade to a smart home lock and avoid the hassle of spare keys altogether. And don’t forget the garage. Even if it doesn’t lead to the inside of your home, you may have valuables stored there as well. Keep all the doors locked and don’t leave your garage opener in the car where a criminal can easily access it.
4. Protect Your Wifi
Many of us are so busy worrying about a physical burglar entering our home that we don’t even think about the possibility of a cybercriminal. Though considering how much private information lives online these days, protecting your wifi is just as important as securing your residence. Moreover, if you have home automation, it’s important to protect your smart devices from being disabled by an outside entity. Most modems allow for remote administration, giving you the option to access your router when you’re away from home. It’s convenient but could also leave you vulnerable to someone looking to hack your information. Secure your wifi by turning off remote administration when you’re on vacation. Furthermore, ensure you use a firewall and choose a strong wifi password.
5. Don’t Overshare Online
We all love to use social media to share various aspects of our lives. But when your profile is public, announcing that you’re on vacation is equivalent to letting strangers know your home is unoccupied. Make all your social media accounts private before detailing anything about your whereabouts, and ensure you know everyone you’re sharing updates with. Plus, if you like posting photos, be careful to avoid giving specifics about where you live. For example, don’t upload pictures of your dog if the identification tag is visible, and avoid group photos in front of street signs near your home. Don’t let social media become an invitation for strangers to target your property.
Before you leave on vacation make sure your internet can support all your smart devices. Cox offers a variety of high-speed internet packages for a strong connection you can rely on. With the help of wifi -powered devices, you can travel with ease knowing you can always check in on your home.
