Residential security for your primary home should be your top priority, but security for your vacation home still deserves a great deal of attention. In fact, people are much more statistically likely to be the victim of a crime associated with their vacation home as opposed to their primary residence. Protecting your vacation home properly begins with installing a security system that is active and monitored year-round.
Year-Round, Monitored Security
Many vacation homeowners make the mistake of forgoing monitored residential security with advanced features like video surveillance because they view it as an unnecessary expense. However, just because you don't live in the vacation home the majority of time doesn't mean that a security system isn't effective.
Video Surveillance
Security cameras are arguably more useful for a vacation home due to the sheer amount of time that the home is uninhabited. Vacation homeowners can even provide camera access to the monitoring station, which can then use the video feed to respond to triggered alarms better. It can also help to avoid fees that may be incurred from the monitoring station and local authorities due to false alarms.
Remote Access
Remote access is a wonderful feature that allows you to access and manipulate the residential security system from any remote computer or device that has Internet access. You can connect via a desktop computer, laptop, tablet and even a smartphone. If you have video surveillance, then it would also be possible to watch streams from the security camera via the Web. Other possibilities include locking and unlocking, manipulating lights and adjusting the thermostat.
High-Security Latches and Locks
When an alarm is triggered, every second counts. Even a delay of just seconds can mean the difference between police arriving in time and the crooks getting away. Ideally, you should install a high-security lock or latch at all entry doors, windows and access points at the perimeter of the property, such as a gate. High-security locks should, at the very least, be bump-proof.
Security Lighting
It's also a great idea to install security lighting throughout the property and the home. Security lighting can be both motion-based and time-sensitive, and it can be integrated into the security system's motion detectors and other equipment. A burglar may be less inclined to try to compromise your lock if he or she has to stand there and do it in total light.
A Lived-In Appearance without Patterns
Vacant vacation homes are easy targets, so create a lived-in look: have lights on, TVs and other appliances running and your mailbox clear of mail and newspapers. Many criminals are quite savvy, however, and you want to ensure that you don't create a pattern that reveals the truth. Avoid patterns, for instance, by using timers that adjust themselves randomly.
Neighborhood Watch
Finally, improve the overall security of the neighborhood by getting involved in the local neighborhood watch. If there isn't one, then contact your local law enforcement about starting one. In neighborhoods where vacation homes are prevalent, it's not unusual to have a community agreement where neighbors who are in town monitor the houses of those who are not.
Year-Round, Monitored Security
Many vacation homeowners make the mistake of forgoing monitored residential security with advanced features like video surveillance because they view it as an unnecessary expense. However, just because you don't live in the vacation home the majority of time doesn't mean that a security system isn't effective.
Video Surveillance
Security cameras are arguably more useful for a vacation home due to the sheer amount of time that the home is uninhabited. Vacation homeowners can even provide camera access to the monitoring station, which can then use the video feed to respond to triggered alarms better. It can also help to avoid fees that may be incurred from the monitoring station and local authorities due to false alarms.
Remote Access
Remote access is a wonderful feature that allows you to access and manipulate the residential security system from any remote computer or device that has Internet access. You can connect via a desktop computer, laptop, tablet and even a smartphone. If you have video surveillance, then it would also be possible to watch streams from the security camera via the Web. Other possibilities include locking and unlocking, manipulating lights and adjusting the thermostat.
High-Security Latches and Locks
When an alarm is triggered, every second counts. Even a delay of just seconds can mean the difference between police arriving in time and the crooks getting away. Ideally, you should install a high-security lock or latch at all entry doors, windows and access points at the perimeter of the property, such as a gate. High-security locks should, at the very least, be bump-proof.
Security Lighting
It's also a great idea to install security lighting throughout the property and the home. Security lighting can be both motion-based and time-sensitive, and it can be integrated into the security system's motion detectors and other equipment. A burglar may be less inclined to try to compromise your lock if he or she has to stand there and do it in total light.
A Lived-In Appearance without Patterns
Vacant vacation homes are easy targets, so create a lived-in look: have lights on, TVs and other appliances running and your mailbox clear of mail and newspapers. Many criminals are quite savvy, however, and you want to ensure that you don't create a pattern that reveals the truth. Avoid patterns, for instance, by using timers that adjust themselves randomly.
Neighborhood Watch
Finally, improve the overall security of the neighborhood by getting involved in the local neighborhood watch. If there isn't one, then contact your local law enforcement about starting one. In neighborhoods where vacation homes are prevalent, it's not unusual to have a community agreement where neighbors who are in town monitor the houses of those who are not.