How to Keep Your Home Safe In the Summer

How to Keep Your Home Safe In the Summer

Summer is a joy, adventure, and relaxation season. You may look forward to spending more time outdoors, going on vacations, or hosting barbecues and parties. However, summer also brings challenges and risks to your home, such as heat, storms, and burglaries. How can you keep your home safe in the summer?

This article will share insight and advice on protecting your home and family from summer hazards. I’ll cover three main topics: how to protect your home from the heat, protect your home from storms, and protect your home from burglaries. 

Following these tips ensures your home’s comfort, security, and peace of mind. Let’s get started.

Protect Your Home from the Heat

The summer heat can be too much for your home, especially if you have an air conditioning system. Here are some ways to keep your home cool and comfortable while saving energy and money:

  • Check and Maintain Your Air Conditioning System. Before the summer starts, you should have a professional inspect and service your air conditioning system. It can help you avoid any breakdowns or malfunctions during the hot days. You should also regularly clean or replace the air filters and remove debris or dirt from the outdoor unit.
  • Use a Programmable Thermostat. A programmable thermostat helps adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule and preferences. You can set it to a higher temperature when you are away or asleep and lower it when you are at home or awake, which helps you save energy and money while keeping your home comfortable.
  • Use fans and Ventilation. Fans and Ventilation can help you circulate the air in your home and create a cooling effect. Ceiling fans, floor fans, or window fans create a breeze and reduce the need for air conditioning. You can also open the windows and doors in the morning and evening when the temperature is cooler and close them during the day when it is hotter.
  • Use Shades and Curtains. Shades and curtains can help you block the sunlight and heat from entering your home. You can use them to cover the windows and doors that face the sun, especially in the afternoon. You can also use reflective or light-colored shades and curtains to reflect the heat and light away from your home.
  • Use Insulation and Weatherstripping. Insulation and weatherstripping can help you seal the gaps and cracks in your home and prevent the heat from escaping or entering. You can use them to insulate your home’s walls, ceilings, floors, attics, and basements. You can also use them to weatherstrip the windows and doors of your home.

Protect Your Home from the Storms

The summer storms can threaten your home, especially if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods. Here are some ways to keep your home safe and secure while preparing for any emergencies:

  • Check and Repair Your Roof and Gutters. Before the summer starts, you should have your roof and gutters inspected and repaired by a professional to prevent leaks, damages, or clogs that could cause water damage or mold growth in your home. You should also regularly clean your gutters and downspouts and remove any debris or leaves that could block the water flow.
  • Trim and Remove Your Trees and Branches. Trees and branches are a risk to your home, especially if they are dead, diseased, or damaged. They can fall or break during a storm and damage your roof, windows, siding, or power lines. You should hire a landscaper or a tree service to trim and remove trees and branches too close to your home or power lines.
  • Install Storm Shutters and Doors. Storm shutters and doors can help you protect your windows and doors from the wind, rain, hail, or debris that could break or shatter them. You can install permanent or removable storm shutters and doors depending on your budget and preference. You can also use plywood or metal sheets to cover your windows and doors if you don’t have storm shutters or doors.
  • Secure Your Outdoor Items. Outdoor items, such as furniture, grills, toys, or tools, can become projectiles during a storm and damage your home or injure someone. You should secure your outdoor items by tying them, locking them up, or bringing them inside. You should also remove loose or hanging items, such as flags, signs, or decorations, that could fly away or cause harm.
  • Have an Emergency Kit and Plan. An emergency kit and plan can help you survive and cope with any disasters during a storm. You should have an emergency kit that contains essential items, like water, food, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, a first-aid kit, medications, documents, and cash. You should also have an emergency plan that outlines what to do, where to go, and who to contact in case of a storm. Please review and update your emergency kit, plan regularly, and practice them with your family.

Protect Your Home from the Burglaries

The summer burglaries can be a problem for your home, especially if you are away for a vacation or a trip. Here are some ways to keep your home safe and deter any burglars while enjoying your time away:

  • Lock and Secure Your Doors and Windows, which are common entry points for burglars, so you should ensure they are locked and secured before leaving. Use sturdy and reliable locks, such as deadbolts, chains, or bars, to reinforce your doors. Use locks, latches, or bars to secure your windows, especially those accessible from the ground or near a tree or a ladder.
  • Use Alarms and Cameras. Alarms and cameras can help you alert and monitor your home for intruders or suspicious activities. You can use a home security system that connects your alarms and cameras to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to control and view them remotely. You can also use motion, door, or glass break sensors to trigger your alarms and cameras and notify you or the authorities.
  • Use Lights and Timers. Lights and timers help create the illusion that someone is home and scare away any burglars. You can use indoor and outdoor lights, such as lamps, porch lights, or floodlights, to illuminate your home and make it look occupied. You can also use timers, such as smart plugs, smart switches, or smart bulbs, to turn your lights on and off at random or preset times and simulate your normal routine.
  • Use Signs and Stickers. Signs and stickers can help you warn and discourage burglars from targeting your home. You can use signs and stickers that indicate that you have a home security system, a dog, or a neighborhood watch and place them on your doors, windows, or yard. You can also use fake signs and stickers if you don’t have the real ones, as long as they look convincing and realistic.

How Do You Protect Your Home While You’re Away In the Summer? 

Summer is a great time to travel, explore new places, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. However, leaving your home unattended for a long period can also expose it to various risks, such as burglaries, vandalism, or weather damage. 

So, how can you protect your home while you’re away in the summer and have a worry-free vacation? Here are some tips and strategies to help you secure your home and deter potential intruders.

Lock and Secure All Entry Points

The first and most obvious step to protect your home while you’re away is to lock and secure all entry points, such as doors, windows, garages, and gates. Use reliable locks like deadbolts, chains, or bars to reinforce your doors. 

Use locks, latches, or bars to secure your windows, especially those accessible from the ground or near a tree or a ladder. You should also close and lock your garage door and disconnect the automatic opener to prevent anyone from opening it with a remote. You should also lock your gates and fences and remove any spare keys you may have hidden outside.

Install a Home Security System

A home security system can provide extra protection and peace of mind while you’re away. A home security system can consist of various devices, such as alarms, cameras, sensors, or smart locks, that can alert you or the authorities of any suspicious activity or intrusion. 

You can also use a smart home system that connects your devices to your smart device, allowing you to control and monitor from anywhere. You can also use motion, door, or glass break sensors to trigger your alarms and cameras and notify you or the authorities. 

Use smart locks to lock or unlock your doors remotely or grant temporary access to someone you trust, such as a neighbor or a house sitter.

Use Lights and Timers

Lights and timers help you create the illusion that someone is home and scare away potential intruders. You can use indoor and outdoor lights, such as lamps, porch lights, or floodlights, to illuminate your home and make it look occupied. 

You can also use timers, such as smart plugs, smart switches, or smart bulbs, to turn your lights on and off at random or preset times and simulate your normal routine. 

You can also use timers to control other electronics, such as your TV, radio, or fan, and create noise and movement in your home.

Pause Mail and Deliveries

A pile of packages on your doorstep can indicate that your home is empty and an easy target for burglars. To avoid this, you should pause your mail and deliveries while you’re away and ask them to resume when you return. 

You can do this by visiting the websites of your mail carrier and delivery services and filling out a short form online. You can also ask a trusted friend, neighbor, or house sitter to collect your mail and deliveries and keep them safe until you return.

Avoid Social Media

Social media can be a great way to share your vacation photos and experiences with friends and family. Still, it can also be a way to advertise your absence and location to potential burglars. 

To prevent this, you should avoid posting about your vacation plans, dates, or destinations on social media, or at least limit your audience to people you know and trust. 

You should also avoid checking in to places or tagging your location on social media, as this can reveal your whereabouts and how long you’ll be gone. 

Turn off any geotagging or location services on your devices and apps, as they can expose your location to strangers. After you return, you can always share your vacation photos and stories and enjoy them without compromising your home security.

Ask for Help from Your Neighbors or Friends

If you have a good relationship with your neighbors or friends, you can ask them to help you keep an eye on your home while you’re away. They can check on your home regularly and report any suspicious or unusual activity to you or the authorities. 

They can also help you with small tasks, such as collecting your mail and deliveries, watering your plants, mowing your lawn, or parking your car in your driveway. These tasks can help your home look lived-in and cared-for and deter potential intruders. 

You should also leave your contact information and a spare key with your neighbors or friends in case of an emergency or a problem.

Have an Emergency Kit and Plan

Even if you take all the precautions to protect your home while you’re away, you can never be too prepared for unexpected events, such as storms, floods, fires, or power outages. You should have an emergency kit and plan for your home to prepare for emergencies. 

Your emergency kit should contain essential items like water, food, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, a first-aid kit, medications, documents, and cash. 

Your emergency plan should outline what to do, where to go, and who to contact. You should also share your emergency kit and plan with your neighbors, friends, or anyone looking after your home while away.

Following these tips, you can protect your home while you’re away in the summer and have a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. 

Should I Leave My Home Curtains Open or Closed While Away On Vacation

One of the questions many people have when planning to go away for a vacation or a trip is whether to leave their curtains open or closed. While trivial, it can impact your home’s security and energy efficiency. 

Both options have ups and downs, and the best choice depends on several factors, such as the location and visibility of your home, the length of time you will be away, the weather conditions, and your personal preferences. 

In this section, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of leaving your curtains open or closed when you are away and provide tips on making the most of your decision.

Leaving Your Curtains Open

Some people prefer to leave their curtains open when they are away, believing that this creates the illusion that someone is home and deters potential burglars. 

They also think this allows natural light to enter their home and brighten their rooms. Here are some of the benefits of leaving your curtains open when you are away:

It fosters neighbor interaction: Leaving your curtains open can encourage your neighbors to monitor your home and report any suspicious activity to you or the authorities. It can also make your home look more inviting and friendly and show that you trust and appreciate your neighbors.

Open curtains showcase your home’s beauty: Leaving your curtains open can display your home’s interior design and decoration, showing off your style and taste. It can also make your home look more spacious and airy and enhance curb appeal.

Offers care for your indoor plants: Leaving your curtains open can provide your indoor plants with the sunlight crucial for growth. It can also prevent them from wilting or dying due to lack of light and save you the hassle of finding someone to water them while you are away.

It creates the appearance of occupancy: Leaving your curtains open can make it seem like someone is home and active and scare away potential intruders. It can also create variation and movement in your home as the light and shadows change throughout the day.

However, leaving your curtains open when you are away can also have some drawbacks, such as:

Open curtains expose your belongings: Leaving them open can allow anyone to see what you have inside your home and tempt them to break in and steal your valuables. It can also reveal your habits and routines and tell when you are away or will return.

It increases your energy consumption: Leaving your curtains open can let the heat and light enter your home and raise the temperature and brightness of your rooms. 

It can make your home uncomfortable and increase your energy consumption, as you may need more air conditioning or lighting to cool down or dim your rooms.

Open curtains Contribute to damage to your furniture and fabrics: Leaving them open can expose them to the sun’s UV rays and cause them to fade, discolor, or deteriorate over time. It can reduce the quality and lifespan of your items and make them look old and worn.

Leaving Your Curtains Closed

Some people prefer to leave their curtains closed when they are away, believing this enhances their security and privacy and reduces their energy consumption. They also think this protects their belongings from sun damage and prying eyes. Here are some of the benefits of leaving your curtains closed when you are away:

It enhances your security: Leaving your curtains closed can create a barrier between your home and the outside world and prevent anyone from seeing what you have inside your home. It can also make it harder for burglars to break in, as they may not know if someone is home or if there are any alarms or cameras inside.

Closed curtains maintain your privacy: Leaving your curtains closed can prevent anyone from spying on your home and invading your privacy. It can also keep your personal and confidential information, such as documents, bills, or letters, out of sight and out of reach.

Help reduce your energy consumption: Leaving your curtains closed can block the heat and light from entering your home and lower the temperature and brightness of your rooms, which can make your home comfortable and reduce your energy consumption, as you may need to use less air conditioning or lighting to heat up or brighten your rooms.

It protects your belongings from sun damage: Closing your curtains can shield your furniture and fabrics from the sun’s UV rays and prevent them from fading, discoloring, or deteriorating over time. It can preserve the quality and lifespan of your items and make them look new and fresh.

However, leaving your curtains closed when you are away can also have some disadvantages, such as:

Closing curtains discourages neighbor interaction: Leaving your curtains closed can discourage your neighbors from keeping an eye on your home and reporting any suspicious activity to you or the authorities. 

It can also make your home look more isolated and unfriendly and show that you don’t trust or appreciate your neighbors.

It hides your home’s beauty: Leaving your curtains closed can conceal your home’s interior design and decoration and hide your style and taste. It can also make your home look darker and gloomier and reduce curb appeal.

Not good for indoor plants: Leaving your curtains closed can deprive your indoor plants of the sunlight they need to grow and thrive. It can also cause them to wilt or die due to lack of light and require you to find someone to water them while you are away.

It creates the appearance of vacancy: Leaving your curtains closed can make it seem like no one is home and inactive and attract potential intruders. It can also create a lack of variation and movement in your home, as the light and shadows remain the same throughout the day.

So What Should You Do?

As you can see, there is no definitive answer to whether you should leave your curtains open or closed when you are away. Both options have merits and demerits; the best choice depends on your preferences. However, here are some general tips to help you make the best decision for your home:

Consider the location and visibility of your home: If your home is in a busy or crowded area where many people can see your windows, you may want to close your curtains to prevent unwanted attention and exposure. 

If your home is in a quiet or secluded area where few people can see your windows, you may want to open your curtains to create the illusion of occupancy and deterrence.

Determine the duration you will be away: If you are away for a short period, such as a day or a weekend, you may want to leave your curtains as you normally do to maintain your routine and appearance. If you will be away for a long period, such as a week or a month, you may vary your curtains to create some variation and movement in your home.

Think of weather conditions: If the weather is hot and sunny, you may want to close your curtains to keep your home cool and protect your belongings from sun damage. 

If the weather is cold and cloudy, open your curtains to let some light and warmth into your home.

Consider your preferences: Ultimately, you should do what makes you feel comfortable and secure. If you value your privacy and security more than anything, close your curtains and invest in a home security system. 

If the natural light and neighborliness are more appealing, open your curtains and ask your neighbors to watch your home.

How Else Can You Secure Your Home While You’re Away?

Besides deciding whether to leave your curtains open or closed, there are other ways to secure your home while you’re away. Here

Some of them:

Invest in time switches: Time switches are devices that can turn your lights and electronics on and off at random or preset times and create the illusion that someone is home and active. 

You can use them to control your lamps, TV, radio, or fan and create noise and movement in your home.

Hide your valuables: Valuables are items that are attractive and easy to steal, such as jewelry, cash, electronics, or documents. Hide your valuables in a safe, secure, and inconspicuous place, such as a safe, a locked drawer, or a hidden compartment. 

You should also avoid leaving clues or signs indicating where your valuables are, such as receipts, boxes, or labels.

Inform your neighbors: Neighbors live near you and can help you monitor your home and report any suspicious activity to you or the authorities. Inform your neighbors that you will be away, and ask them to collect your mail, newspapers, or packages to prevent them from piling up and attracting attention. You should also leave your contact information and a spare key with your neighbors in case of an emergency or a problem.

Upgrade your door and window locks: Door and window locks are devices that can prevent anyone from entering your home without your permission. 

You should keep your door and window locks upgraded and in good condition, and use sturdy and reliable locks, such as deadbolts, chains, or bars, to reinforce your doors. Use locks, latches, or bars to secure your windows, especially those accessible from the ground or near a tree or a ladder.

Cancel daily and weekly deliveries: Daily and weekly deliveries are services that deliver items to your home on a regular or scheduled basis, such as mail, newspapers, magazines, or groceries. 

You should cancel your daily and weekly deliveries while you’re away and ask them to resume when you return. It can prevent your deliveries from piling up, attract attention, and save money and waste.

Conclusion: Keep Your Home Safe In the Summer

Implementing strategies in this guide can enhance the safety and security of your home during the summer months. 

From securing doors and windows to utilizing smart home technology and maintaining your property while away, these proactive actions can help protect your home from potential risks such as burglaries, extreme weather, and other seasonal challenges.

Stay vigilant, maintain open lines of communication with trusted neighbors, and leverage modern security solutions; you can enjoy a worry-free summer as your home is well-protected.

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