5 Simple Security Tips for Your Lake Home

 

Do you own a lake home? If so, you know all too well how often your house sits vacant. Whether you’re waiting for your next getaway, or you only visit your lake home in the summer, your investment probably spends a lot of time without anyone in it. This can be unsettling since burglars look for vacant homes.

Let’s discuss some simple security tips for keeping your second home safe from burglaries, vandalism and break-ins.

1. Make it Look Lived In

Even if you’re not at the home on a daily basis, you can still leave signs of your presence. Break-ins and vandalism is less likely to occur if people think that you check in on a routine basis.

Start by asking a trusted neighbor to look over the house. If they notice anything strange, they can alert you with a text. Also leave them with a key or the garage code so that they can access your home if need be. Invite your neighbors to use your driveway sometimes, too.

2. Maintain the Exterior

Nothing says a vacant home like unmowed grass, piled up newspapers or old holiday decor. Maintaining the outside of your home prevents it from sticking out a like a sore thumb.

Hire a lawn service to take care of watering plants in the spring, mowing the lawn in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter. Have a neighbor collect your mail or newspapers. When you visit, pull weeds, take down old decor, etc.

3. Install a Security System

Nothing protects your lake home like a security system. Post signs on your front lawn letting others know that your home is monitored 24 hours a day. If you choose to install video surveillance, you can check in on your property at any time. This gives you the ultimate peace of mind that your investment is secure, even when you can’t be there.

4. Use a Light Timer

Lights are a great way to indicate that someone is in your home. Criminals keep an eye out for repeatedly dark homes. Have at least one or two lamps plugged into a timer, and have the lights go off in the early evening, when you would typically turn them on. Also consider installing motion-sensor lights outdoors that will turn on if someone is on your property.

  

5. Watch What You Say (and Post!)

It’s inevitable that some people will know that your home is empty, but still be cautious of who you tell. If you go “into town,” don’t tell the local people that your lake home is furnished, or give them your address. Anyone can overhear your conversation, and your home can become a target.

Also be mindful of what you post on social media. It’s easy to give away the fact that your home is vacant without realizing it.

You can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting a second home. By following the tips above, you can prevent break-ins and vandalism and give yourself peace of mind when you can’t be there.