We are getting ready to go on vacation. This is actually a trip to attend a wedding but also a mini vacation. In the process we are dealing with a burglary that happened a few months ago in our neighborhood. We live in the country and our nearest neighbor is about 10 acres away. So we have been thinking of ways to secure our home while we are gone.
Windows. I believe the easiest way is sometimes the best. Our windows slide up so we bought a little device that can be clamped down on the frame to prevent the window from sliding up. I’ve liked this way of securing our windows for years. The windows do have locks, but I feel this is a second level that I am comfortable with.
Doors. We have the traditional deadbolt and knob locks but we are adding a simple lock that goes on the frame and swings over the door to keep it from moving. This can’t be used unless you are in the house. So the door that we exit won’t have that protection.
Keys. If you are like us, we have a key rack where all of the keys to our vehicles, sheds, and spare keys are hung. These should be locked away or hidden in a place where they cannot be found. We don’t normally lock our vehicles at home. The small town we live outside of has little crime so we feel secure in doing this where we live. This is a practice we should change! Before we leave we will lock our vehicles we leave behind. Also, if you have a hidden key to your car or home, ensure that it is not in an obvious place where a quick search would find it. And when you do leave for an extended period of time, pull that key in and secure it. There are fake rocks on the market that hide keys if you feel you can do that effectively. I’ve seen a thermometer that slides open to hide a key also.
Important papers. We keep our important papers in a fire box. This fire box is for just that, fire! We will secure this box in a place where it won’t be found. Our credit cards that we won’t need with us will be among these items.
Weapons. Our guns will be secured and locked away where they won’t be found.
External hard drives. We back up everything on our computer on external hard drives. These contain sensitive information and also pictures, music, and other valuables. Those drives are small and easy to secure. Everything sensitive will be purged from our computers. I’ve also seen plans for a hidden USB storage disguised as a telephone jack. Here’s the link. (http://www.instructables.com/id/Hidden-USB-Storage/)
Valuables. These include but are not limited to, precious coins and stamps, jewelry, or any other thing that would be difficult or expensive to replace. They will be secured.
What exactly do I mean by “secured”? There are many ways of doing this. A safe can be a good place to not only secure items, but protect from fire also. Gun safes can be used for more than guns. I like the ideas of deception and camouflage. The internet has many items and ideas for this type of security. The one I remember from my childhood is the old cut out book safe. I made one of these as a kid. We have an extensive library and if I didn’t know what book to look for it might take quite a while to find the one that has valuables in it. That is, IF it’s even there. There are also other fake safes out there. Some are in the shape of food or beverage cans or containers. I’ve seen fake bottoms on potted plants, fake candles, fake stack of CD cases (Don’t like that one), and a fake sprinkler head (I like this one!).There are clocks and picture frames with safes behind them. These will all work for their intended purpose but are limited in size. There are even wall electrical outlet safes that pivot out to reveal a hiding place. Companies will build cabinetry or furniture with compartments to hide weapons or valuables. They can even build a hidden room. If you use any of these items remember the importance of OPSEC. In the military OPSEC refers to operation security. In other words, keep your mouth shut about the means you use to conceal or hide your things. Don’t make it known that you are practicing this type of security except on a “need to know” basis. This will keep your secret, secret. OPSEC should be practiced on the internet. Don’t get on Twitter or Facebook and let the whole world know that you are not going to be home at a specific time. Keep this information secure from prying eyes.
There are the typical things you can do. Lock everything, have someone pick up mail and newspapers. If you live in a multi story house make sure any ladders are locked up and second story windows are locked. If you don’t have a garage to lock up lawn equipment make sure those items are secured. Put timers on lights and/or a TV/radio. Make it look like someone is home. A barking dog is always a deterrent. A home alarm is always a good idea. I’ve even seen home alarm system signs for those who want to look like they have an alarm system. Security cameras are an option to deter burglaries. And of course there are fake cameras. If you are going to be gone for a long time, more than a few weeks, making sure non-essential electrical things are turned off and turning air conditioning or heat down can save money. If you live in a cold place and will be gone a long time, ensure the heat in your home will keep pipes from freezing and causing damage.
Don’t forget that even a short time away from home you can be vulnerable. LDS members are in Church for several hours sometimes. Make sure your home is secure even for that shorter time you are at Church.
I have put our family vacation security into the form of a checklist so I won’t forget something. I review it with family members as we are preparing for time away from home so we can add to or take away anything that applies.
Security at home is very important. Your home should be your safe haven from the world but don’t get so comfortable that you are complacent.
Semper Paratus
Burn
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