When going on a trip or vacation, sometimes we forget about securing our home while we are away. Here are six tips to keep your home secure while you’re away.

Curtains Should Remain Closed

Keep your blinds and drapes closed to prevent leaving a welcome invitation for the bad guy. Some burglars camp out in different neighborhoods waiting for a sign of a vacant home, and open blinds or curtains are one way a burglar can look into your home and showcase all of your belongings.

Set Timers for Lights

Timers are devices that help to deceive robbers. Never leave your lights and television on the entire time you are gone on vacation. This is an obvious sign that no one is home. Instead, put your lights, televisions, and other electronics on timers. By doing this, it is difficult to tell if someone is home or whether they are on vacation. Burglars will assume someone is home and more than likely pass by your home without giving it a second thought.

Trash Cans

Be sure to have trash cans put away prior to leaving town or have a neighbor bring them up to the home and preferably placed behind a fence.

Mail, Newspapers, and Packages

Nothing screams vacant home like a mailbox crammed full of mail, newspapers piling up or a package that has been sitting at the front door. You can ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail while you are gone, or have the post office keep your mail until you return.

Do Not Broadcast Your Trip or Post on a Social Media Site

You may want to share your trip with friends and family, and with social media, it’s easier to do than it has ever been, but avoid telling potential burglars about your whereabouts. Call your friends and family instead of making a post on a social media site. Take lots of pictures, but do not post them on social media sites until you are home from your trip.

Make Sure To Activate Your Security System

A security system will add an extra layer of protection for your home and give you peace of mind.