Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and fun, allowing you to recharge and reset away from the grind of everyday life. However, before arriving at their destinations, some folks begin to worry whether they turned off all of their electrical appliances and locked their doors. This causes anxiety and can put a damper on travel plans. The tips in this guide will not only help you protect your home and peace of mind but also allow you to determine if a home automation system is a valid solution.

How to Keep Your Home Safe While You're Away

1. Don't Share Plans on Social Media

In a world where people constantly share almost everything on the internet, you should try to cut back on social media use when you're away from home. A seemingly harmless post may cause a huge problem later on. Remind family members not to post something that could alert viewers to your vacation plans or the length of the trip. This ensures that no one will take advantage of your unoccupied home.

2. Triple-Check Everything

Always inspect your house before leaving for a vacation. Triple-check whether any light bulbs need replacing or if electrical appliances need repairs. Unplug any unnecessary items while you're away, as well. This helps prevent accidents, like fires, caused by faulty wiring, outlets, and lighting systems. 

3. Install a Home Automation System

Many unforeseen events can happen that are out of your control, but you can prevent some by having a professional install a home automation system on your property. These setups allow you to remotely access various features inside the house through a cellphone or tablet app. 

You can use it to turn on certain indoor and outdoor lights while you're on vacation, which can make it seem like the home is occupied. You can even put specific fixtures on timers, like porch lights and bedroom lamps. In addition, home automation often comes with surveillance cameras that enhance your property's security. The system will send you alerts, and you can view each feed from a smartphone. This reduces the chances of a home invasion since criminals may see the cameras and decide against targeting the house.

The team at Alamo Electronics in Cincinnati, OH, can help you enjoy a worry-free vacation by installing a home automation system on your property. These experts have been catering to residential and commercial clients throughout the Tri-State area since 1953. They offer custom home theater and lighting control system installations, and they only use top-of-the-line consumer electronics. They also provide maintenance and support to ensure your new system runs smoothly. Visit the website to learn more about how they can enhance your home, or call (513) 791-2300 to schedule a consultation and receive an estimate.