It's our first time to go on a overseas vacation away from home for a month. Currently we don't have any home security/camera system installed ( so its one the thing we are thinking to install something like the bargain from Bing Lee - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/289773) but what are other things? looking for some tips on what things to check and do for home security.
Going overseas for a month - what things to check and do for home security?
anonymoususer on 02/02/2017 - 10:10
Comments
Get a wemo or wemo equivalent lights, turn on and off lights randomly.
Add a no junk mail sticker to your mail box.
Additional tip.
Tell your friend to empty the mail box and once or twice start your car and keep the engine running for 10min.Get a wemo … turn on and off lights randomly.
Or a 10 dollar digital timer from Coles and push the random button. Add a radio as well.
Replace your smoke/fire sensors batteries with new batteries while you're away. That "low battery" beep can really irritate neighbours. This may only apply to those in flats/apartments but my neighbours and myself live in houses that are only a metre apart and you can hear that noise from the next house.
If free newspapers/rags are thrown on your property each week ask the delivery people/publishers to stop.
A friend/neighbour/relative to come by to keep the place looking tidy is the key bit. Cameras are great, but they only show what's happening and are not a real deterrent. If you see someone breaking in, from wherever your are, how long will it take for you to contact the police from wherever you are, and how long will they take to get to your house?
I've seen video surveillance setups that allow you to hear & speak but they are very expensive. Having your voice suddenly come out of the dark at an intruder would probably get them off your property, but you have to know they're there, and while some setups include motion sensors do you really want to be woken by every gust of wind/tree branch/cat/dog/koala/possum setting it off? Presuming you have a signal where you are…
If you put signs saying you have video surveillance a hoodie pulled down low, and speedy entry/exit, will overcome that problem.Light and radio or TV on timer, and when you would typically use them. eg I have a loungeroom light and radio on in the evening until somewhere near bedtime, then the bedroom TV on until sleep time.
Get friends/neighbours to check the mail, put your bins in/out (even if there is nothing in them).
Not so important: If possible make your lawn look like normal, ours often goes for too long so that's easy, but if yours is mown every week you should consider that.
I wouldn't bother with video with the above put in place, unless you consider that you need video surveillance normally.
Don't put all your photos on social media until you return, it just advertises the fact your away.
Do you have a friend or neighbour who can pop by once or twice a week?