How to Secure Your Home Before Going on Vacation

The plans are made, your bags are packed, and you are counting down the days until your summer vacation starts. But is your Atlanta home secure?

According to the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI)’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, there were 1,117,696 home burglaries in 2019. Be proactive and prevent yourself from becoming a victim of theft.

Take the appropriate steps to keep your Georgia home safe and deter burglars from breaking in. With the proper measures taken, you can enjoy having peace of mind and relax on your vacation.

At Downs Security Solutions, we take your safety seriously. We help keep your home secure, offering services from lock installation and replacement to rekeying to keyless entry and more.

When it comes to protecting your home and everything inside it, look to our professionals—we are here for you!

Secure Your Atlanta Home Today

So how do you ensure your home and belongings are protected while you’re away on vacation? Here are some of the best actions to take:

• Install a Home Security System—and Use It!
  If you don’t already have an alarm system, consider the investment. Home security systems have alarms that detect motion inside your home.
  
  These systems are great to have, especially when you are away. Most alarm systems come with stickers announcing your home is being monitored. That alone is a strong enough deterrent to keep many burglars away.
  
  Alarm systems are only helpful when they are turned on—so if you plan on going away on vacation, don’t forget to set your alarm system accordingly!
  
  Do you have a professional alarm company monitoring your home? Be sure to call them ahead of time and let them know when you will be leaving on vacation and when you plan on returning.
  
  If your alarm goes off before your expected return, your alarm company will be able to act quicker and can confirm whether you just arrived earlier than expected or if there was a break-in and authorities need to be contacted.
  
  
• Close and Properly Lock All Windows and Doors
  When you go on vacation, it is critical that you properly close all the windows and doors, including your garage door and windows on the upper levels. Sometimes all it takes for a burglar to enter your home is an open window or unlocked door.
  
  Deter burglars by preventing them from having easy access to your home and valuables. Shut and lock all doors and windows.
  
  Even when you are home, keeping your doors locked is the safest way to prevent a potential burglar from entering your home. The last thing you want is for someone to get into your home while you are there!
  
  
• Never Leave a Spare Key Outside
  You may think a spare key is a good idea if you lock yourself outside your home, but it could actually hurt you more than help. Burglars often look for keys hidden under rugs, plant pots, and outdoor furniture.
  
  If you are concerned about locking yourself out, give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend instead. And don’t forget, you can always call Downs Security Solutions for assistance if you get locked outside your home.
  
  
• Change Your Locks When Needed
  Did you recently move into your new home? If you haven’t changed the locks yet for some reason, be sure to do so before you go on vacation. You don’t want anyone who may have a key entering your home while you are away. Prevent previous owners and tenants from entering your residence by changing the locks ahead of time.
  
  Be sure to repair or replace any broken locks. You don’t want to be away from your home when your front door or backdoor doesn’t lock properly. Keep your home safe by ensuring all of your doors and windows can lock.

Contact Us to Secure Your Home

Whether you need to install new locks, replace old locks, or rekey your Atlanta, GA, home, Downs Security Solutions can help. We are here to assist with all your home security needs so that you can enjoy your vacation! Call our locksmiths today at (404) 873-2515 or request service online.