After the 2014-2015 winter, everyone here in New England can safely say, “THANK GOD IT’S SUMMER!” Warm weather means no more snow, tons of family barbecues, trips to the beach and, for many, summer vacations. But returning from a great summer vacation and discovering that something has gone seriously wrong at home while you were away can be devastating, that’s why if you have a large property, it is best to hire unarmed security guards to avoid having intruders come in while you’re away. 

By taking some basic preventive home security measures, you can help to prevent home invasions, power surges, plumbing flooding and more.

Lock It Down!

Making sure that all entrances to your home are locked before leaving for vacation can seem like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, in the hustle and bustle to get your vehicle and family packed up and finally hit the road, it can be easy to overlook. Before pulling out of the driveway, make sure that all doors and deadbolts are locked. If any of your doors and windows doesn’t have deadbolts, Koopman can supply you with the hardware and tools to install them, you could also consider getting a security system installation to make sure your home is more secure. 

One entrance point that people often forget is windows. Make sure that they are all securely locked. If some of your windows don’t have locks on them, they can be purchased or special ordered at Koopman. If you’re unable to identify your window’s manufacturer, our staff can give you some tips on how to find that information.

To reinforce the security systems of sliding glass doors, place a metal dowel of appropriate length in the bottom door track.

If you have an automatic garage door operator, turn it off so that it can be opened by someone using a universal remote.

Don’t forget to securely lock any storage sheds and gates on your property!

Secure The Perimeter!

Installing security lighting is perhaps your best deterrent for would-be intruders. Motion-activated lights automatically turn on when their sensor detects. Use them near the garage, front door, backyard and other areas that aren’t illuminated by street lights. Imagine a wild animal that gets scared hearing a twig snap near them and immediately run for their lives, the same principal works with intruders and security lights.

If you usually turn on exterior lighting after dark when you are home, install timers on those lights. Program them to turn on at the appropriate time of day and your home will appear as it normally does when you aren’t away vacationing.

Make sure that any trees, bushes or shrubs near windows and doors are trimmed back so that they don’t block visibility. It’s also a good idea to keep up your landscaping so that it doesn’t look like no one has been for an extended period of time. It’s a good idea to mow your lawn before you leave and to hire someone to do it in a week’s time if you are gone for an extended period.

Finally, don’t leave any ladders or tools accessible that could make an intruder’s job easier!

Hold Down The Fort!

Installing interior lighting timers serves the same purpose as their exterior counterparts; giving the appearance that your home is occupied and functioning like it usually does. In the same vein, leave your curtains exactly as you would keep them when you’re home.

Unplug your television, computer, toaster oven, microwave and other appliances to protect them from power surges. This could also help to save power as well, since many appliances use power even when they’re turned off (we’re looking at you, VCRs). If you would prefer not to unplug your appliances, you can at least protect them by plugging them into a surge protector.

The nightmare scenario for any vacationer is to come home to a plumbing disaster. To prevent any plumbing-related flooding while you’re away, you can either closed individual shut off valves at your sinks, toilets, dishwasher and washing machine.

You could also simply turn off all of the water to your house at the main plumbing shut off. If you will be away for a week or more, turn your hot water heater down as well.

Other Helpful Tips

• Get a house sitter or have someone check in regularly. Your friends kids can be bought for pizza in most cases.
• Pause mail and newspaper delivery.
• Take photos of your valuables and record their model and serial numbers.
• Don’t post about being out of town on social media until you’ve returned home.
• If you park your car at an airport before flying out of town, don’t leave a GPS device in your car. Thieves could use it find out where you live.
• Consider notifying the police if you’re leaving town for longer than a week.

Wrap Up

Taking some steps to make sure that your home will be safe and secure while you’re away will give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy yourself! If your home is in need of the security measures and hardware we have discussed, stop in and see us!

Visit Koopmanlumber.com and find the store nearest you!