Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, celebrating, and traveling long distances to be with family and friends. However, with many people leaving their homes unattended during the holiday, it’s also a prime opportunity for burglars to target vacant properties. Whether you’re headed across town or across the country, securing your home while you’re away is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Thanksgiving travel security tips to protect your home and provide peace of mind during the holiday season.
Why Home Security is Essential During Thanksgiving Travel
With more homes left vacant during Thanksgiving, the holiday season sees an uptick in break-ins and property thefts. Burglaries are more likely when homes show signs of being unoccupied, such as piled-up mail, no activity, or dark windows in the evening. By planning ahead and taking precautions, you can reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime.
Increased Risk of Burglaries During Holiday Travel
Statistics show that burglaries tend to rise during major holidays like Thanksgiving. Criminals look for easy targets—homes with minimal security, no visible activity, and clear signs that no one is around. This makes it crucial to focus on preventive measures, such as fortifying your property with smart locks, alarms, and surveillance.
How to Plan for Home Security Before Leaving
Before packing for your Thanksgiving trip, it’s important to plan your home’s security. Simple actions like securing all entry points, automating lights, and ensuring your security system is functioning properly can go a long way in deterring burglars. Being proactive with these steps helps you travel with peace of mind, knowing your home is safe.
Smart Locks and Security Systems: Controlling Access Remotely
One of the most effective ways to secure your home while traveling is by installing smart locks and upgrading your security system. These technologies allow you to manage access and monitor your property remotely.
Benefits of Smart Locks for Managing Access
Smart locks let you lock and unlock doors remotely using your smartphone. If you forget to lock the door before leaving, you can secure it with just a tap on your phone. Additionally, if you need to let someone in to check on your home, you can issue a temporary code or unlock the door for them remotely, ensuring no need to leave a spare key.
Using Smart Security Systems for Real-Time Monitoring
Modern smart security systems provide real-time monitoring of your home’s activity. These systems notify you of any unusual activity—such as motion detected at the front door or a door being opened. With cameras integrated into the system, you can check live video feeds to verify what’s happening at your home and alert authorities if needed.
Timers and Smart Lighting: Making Your Home Look Lived-In
Another simple yet effective way to deter burglars is by making your home look occupied while you’re away. Lighting plays a key role in this.
Setting Lights on Timers to Mimic Activity
Setting lights on timers ensures that your home appears occupied during the evening hours. Program lights in different rooms to turn on and off at various times to give the impression of someone being home. This small investment can have a significant impact on reducing the likelihood of a break-in.
Smart Lighting Systems for Remote Control
For added flexibility, smart lighting systems allow you to control your home’s lighting remotely. If you’ll be gone longer than expected or want to adjust the schedule, you can use an app to turn on lights in real-time, making your home look even more active.
Video Doorbells and Surveillance Cameras
Video doorbells and surveillance cameras are essential tools in monitoring your home while you’re away. They offer real-time footage and alerts whenever someone approaches your property.
Monitoring Your Home Remotely with Cameras
Install surveillance cameras around key areas of your property, such as the front and back doors, driveway, and garage. These cameras allow you to check in on your home at any time and review footage in case of any suspicious activity.
Benefits of Video Doorbells for Package Deliveries
As online shopping increases during the holiday season, package theft becomes more common. Video doorbells not only let you see who’s at your door but also notify you when packages are delivered. With these devices, you can monitor and prevent package theft even while traveling.
Secure Windows and Doors Before You Leave
Before heading out for your Thanksgiving trip, make sure all windows and doors are securely locked. Reinforcing these entry points adds an extra layer of protection against break-ins.
Reinforcing Door Locks and Window Latches
Check that all door locks are secure, and consider installing deadbolts for added strength. Similarly, ensure that window latches are functioning properly. If you have older windows or doors, reinforce them with extra security measures, such as adding a security bar to sliding glass doors.
Using Additional Security Measures for Sliding Doors
Sliding doors can be vulnerable entry points for burglars. Add sliding door locks or place a security bar along the track to prevent the door from being forced open. These simple measures can make it much harder for intruders to break in.
Hold Your Mail and Packages to Avoid Alerts of an Empty Home
Uncollected mail and packages are a clear indicator that no one is home. To prevent this from happening, arrange for your mail and packages to be held while you’re away.
Stopping Mail and Package Deliveries
The USPS offers a Hold Mail service, where they will temporarily stop delivering mail until you return. For packages, consider using a package delivery locker or working with a trusted neighbor to collect your deliveries while you’re away.
Using Package Delivery Lockers and Trusted Neighbors
Another option is to have packages delivered to secure pickup lockers, which many carriers now offer. Alternatively, you can ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home and collect any deliveries, ensuring that nothing is left unattended on your doorstep.
Garage and Vehicle Security: Protecting Cars and Storage Areas
Your garage and vehicles are often overlooked when it comes to home security. However, they can be targets for thieves, especially during holiday travel.
Securing Garage Doors and Outdoor Equipment
Ensure that your garage door is locked securely, and if you have a smart garage opener, disable remote access while you’re away. Store valuable outdoor equipment, such as bikes or tools, inside the garage or a shed and secure them with locks.
Keeping Cars Safe When Parked at Home
If you’re leaving a car at home, park it inside the garage if possible. If you must leave it outside, ensure the doors are locked, valuables are removed, and the car is parked in a well-lit area to discourage theft.
Alarm Systems: Setting Up for Instant Response
Before traveling, ensure your alarm system is fully operational and armed. This adds an extra layer of protection, especially when paired with professional monitoring services.
Arming Alarm Systems Before Travel
Double-check that your alarm system is set before leaving. Most systems can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to monitor activity or set the alarm if you forget.
Using Professional Monitoring for Added Security
Professional monitoring services provide around-the-clock protection. In the event of a break-in, the monitoring center will alert local authorities immediately, ensuring a faster response even if you’re unable to respond to alerts yourself.
Neighbor Coordination: Enlisting Help from Trusted Friends
One of the simplest and most effective ways to secure your home during Thanksgiving travel is by enlisting the help of trusted neighbors or friends.
Asking Neighbors to Check In While You’re Away
Ask a neighbor to check in on your home periodically. They can collect mail, water plants, and ensure the property remains secure. A visible presence, such as a car in the driveway, can also help deter criminals.
Joining a Neighborhood Watch Group for Extra Protection
Consider joining or forming a neighborhood watch group. These groups can help monitor each other’s homes and report any suspicious activity while you’re away.
Backyard and Outdoor Security Measures
In addition to securing your home, ensure that your backyard and outdoor areas are well-protected. Sheds, patios, and outdoor furniture can also be vulnerable to theft or damage.
Securing Sheds, Patios, and Outdoor Furniture
Lock up sheds that contain valuable tools or equipment, and secure outdoor furniture with chains or locks to prevent theft. Covering outdoor furniture can also protect it from fall weather and prevent it from being blown around.
Trimming Landscaping to Reduce Hiding Spots
Overgrown bushes and trees can provide hiding spots for burglars. Trim landscaping around your home to reduce these spots and improve visibility around your property.
Avoid Posting Travel Plans on Social Media
While it’s tempting to share your Thanksgiving plans online, doing so can inadvertently invite burglars by advertising that your home will be empty.
Risks of Sharing Travel Information Online
Posting details about your upcoming trip on social media can alert would-be burglars that your home is unoccupied. Even with privacy settings in place, information can sometimes reach the wrong people.
How to Stay Safe on Social Media While Traveling
Wait until after your trip to post photos or updates about your travels. If you do share anything before or during your trip, be vague about your location and avoid mentioning the length of your absence.
Fire Safety Tips While You’re Away
While focusing on security, don’t forget about fire safety. Preparing your home for potential fire hazards while you’re away is crucial for preventing disasters.
Checking Smoke Detectors and Unplugging Devices
Before leaving, check your smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Unplug unnecessary appliances and electronics to reduce the risk of electrical fires while you’re gone.
Preventing Fire Hazards During Your Absence
Avoid leaving any flammable materials near heaters or other sources of heat. If you use space heaters, turn them off and unplug them before leaving.
Preparing for Winter Weather: Protecting Your Home from Damage
Thanksgiving travel often coincides with the onset of winter weather, which can cause damage to your home if not properly prepared.
Winterizing Your Home to Avoid Weather-Related Damage
Winterize your home by insulating pipes, sealing windows and doors, and clearing gutters to prevent ice dams and water damage. Protect your home’s exterior from the elements to avoid costly repairs.
Setting Thermostats to Prevent Frozen Pipes
If temperatures are expected to drop while you’re away, set your thermostat to a low but safe temperature to prevent pipes from freezing. Keeping your home slightly heated can help avoid the damage caused by burst pipes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Before Leaving for Thanksgiving
Many homeowners make common mistakes that leave their homes vulnerable while they’re away. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your home stays secure.
Forgetting to Set Alarms or Lock Secondary Doors
Don’t forget to arm your alarm system and lock all doors, including secondary entrances like basement doors or windows. Double-check all entry points before leaving.
Overlooking Hidden Entry Points Like Basement Windows
Burglars often target hidden entry points, such as basement or side windows, that are out of sight. Ensure these are properly secured with locks or security bars.
FAQs
How can I secure my home before traveling for Thanksgiving?
To secure your home, ensure all windows and doors are locked, use timers for lights, set your alarm system, and consider smart locks and video surveillance for remote monitoring.
Should I ask neighbors to watch my home while I’m away?
Yes, asking trusted neighbors to keep an eye on your home can provide additional security. They can collect mail, check in periodically, and alert you to any issues.
Is it safe to post my travel plans on social media?
It’s best to avoid posting your travel plans on social media until after you return to avoid advertising that your home will be empty.
How can I prevent package theft while I’m traveling?
To prevent package theft, use video doorbells, request secure delivery options, or ask a neighbor to collect packages for you while you’re away.
What should I do about my mail when I travel?
You can use the USPS Hold Mail service to temporarily stop deliveries or ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail while you’re away.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but it’s also important to keep your home secure while you travel. By following these Thanksgiving travel tips, including installing smart locks, setting up security systems, using smart lighting, and asking neighbors for help, you can protect your home and enjoy a worry-free holiday. Preparing in advance ensures that your property is safe, no matter how long you’ll be away.