Avoid leaving your neon "welcome" sign at home as it could attract burglars during your vacation. Instead, security experts suggest implementing their recommended measures for safeguarding your residence.
In the quest to secure a home without a traditional security system, smart automation offers a more dynamic and less obvious approach. This strategy creates the illusion of daily life, deterring potential intruders while you're away on vacation.
One effective method is the use of timers or smart light bulbs. These devices can be programmed to turn lights on and off at various times, mimicking daily activity and providing a strong deterrent. Smart lighting systems that adjust brightness levels at different times further enhance the illusion of occupancy.
Motion sensor lights, particularly those installed around entry points, are another valuable addition to your home security arsenal. These lights only turn on when motion is detected, providing efficient security without constant illumination. Solar-powered options are also available for energy efficiency and easy installation.
Visible security measures such as cameras and alarms can be strong deterrents. Even fake cameras can be effective if they appear realistic. Smart cameras or video doorbells that send alerts to your phone when motion is detected allow you to monitor your home remotely.
Trusting a neighbour to keep an eye on the property, pick up post, or move bins can also help deter potential criminals. It's advisable to avoid posting online about vacation travels to reduce the risk of signalling an empty home to potential burglars. Even private accounts can be compromised, so it's best to wait until returning home to post travel photos.
Sara Harshbarger, Senior Vice President and GM of Direct to Consumer at Brinks Home, emphasises the importance of smart home devices in creating the illusion of being at home while on vacation. Various smart home devices are available for purchase at stores like Best Buy. Smart home systems like Philips Hue Ambiance Bulbs allow for 'mimic presence' and selection of which lights to use. Timer plugs, available for controlling existing lights without changing them, and Govee LED smart bulbs, a more affordable alternative to the Hue system, are also effective options.
Time-controlled lights can be adjusted remotely based on set schedules or natural patterns like dusk-to-dawn. A camera doorbell and CCTV starter kit can be accessed and controlled from a phone anywhere in the world. As Head of Security Operations at ProFM Group, Sara Harshbarger has over five years of experience in the industry.
In conclusion, smart automation offers a practical and effective solution to enhance home security while on vacation. By creating the illusion of daily life, you can deter potential intruders and ensure peace of mind during your time away.
Smart home devices, such as Philips Hue Ambiance Bulbs and Govee LED smart bulbs, can be used to create the illusion of being at home while you're on vacation. These bulbs can be programmed to turn on and off at different times, simulating daily activity and acting as a strong deterrent. Additionally, smart gadgets like motion sensor lights, timers, and even affordable alternatives like CCTV starter kits, can all contribute to enhancing your home-and-garden lifestyle security during vacation, leveraging the latest technology trends.
