Last Updated on 20 June 2018
This article was originally published in The Australian, 10:14am June 19, 2017 by Jeremy Stewart.
While travelling, we often forget that our homes are left vacant and ‘leave the door open’ for intruders, as typically no one is there to protect and maintain it. Unfortunately, before heading on a trip, we focus on planning our accommodation and holiday activities but don’t consider the need to protect our home from intruders while we are away. Yet, when arriving home from an enjoyable holiday, the last thing we want to see is that our home has been broken into.
Create a Home Security and Safety Plan
A home security and safety plan doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In most cases, your smartphone, which most of us carry 24/7, is a simple and efficient way to keep an eye on things and even control them while you’re away.
By turning on lights and sound systems remotely, the impression is given to potential intruders that someone is home. Smart plugs have been in the market for quite some time now, but are still quite new to a lot of people. They simply plug into electrical items and can be controlled remotely once connected to a smartphone. With this level of control, smart plugs can make it appear that someone is home, by turning lights and/or music on or off, thus deterring any potential intruder from breaking in. They can also be used as a safety feature for the home, ensuring that the iron (or other heated appliances) are turned off, when you’re not around. See how this family use a Swann Smart Home Security System to protect their holiday home.
Secure your Windows and Doors
The most common point of entry for a burglar is through windows and doors. By placing sensors around these entrances, you can detect if they have been opened or broken and ensure that you’re alerted via your smartphone. If you’re looking for a little more security than just windows and doors, motion sensors can also be installed throughout the home or even around it. Similar to the window and door sensors, these can be configured to send alerts via smartphone when activity is detected. These sensors typically use infrared technology to pick up heat from larger moving objects, so smaller pets won’t be enough to set the sensors off.
View your Home Remotely
Remote viewing is another way to protect the home while travelling and will provide you with the peace of mind that your home is in good hands. With modern technology, it is now possible to be on the other side of the world and watch your home in real time from your smartphone, simply by connecting your CCTV security system to the internet and downloading the relevant app to view on your smartphone. Home video surveillance now records in high definition and can be saved to the cloud to maximise storage; so when returning from your trip and in the case that something has happened, the HD footage will still be there to view and use as evidence.
A Reasonable Investment
It’s understandable why many people don’t focus on home protection in the lead up to going on holidays. However, taking a few simple and affordable steps in securing your home will provide you with peace of mind while you travel and help ensure that it’s left just the way it was when you return. A reasonable investment in home security, can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars from a break-in.
Jeremy Stewart is the VP of Global Marketing at Swann Communications
Swann’s range of Smart Home Security is available globally here:
- Australia Security Systems
- USA Home Security Systems
- UK CCTV Security Systems
