Protecting Your Home During Holiday Travel: Alarm System Tips
The holidays are a time for family, travel, and celebration, but they also create opportunities for burglars. With many Nashville homeowners away visiting relatives or taking vacations, empty houses can become easy targets. Fortunately, the right preparation and alarm system setup can keep your home protected while you are away.
Start with a Smart Security Check-Up
Before packing your bags, take time to inspect your entire alarm system. Test your control panel, motion sensors, and door/window contacts to confirm they are working properly. If you have a smart system, open the app and make sure it is connected and sending real-time notifications.
Customize Alerts for Travel Mode
Modern alarm systems allow homeowners to personalize notifications. Before leaving town, adjust your settings to receive alerts for every triggered sensor, not just alarms. You will want to know if someone enters your driveway, rings your doorbell, or opens the garage door.
Use Automation to Make Your Home Look Lived-In
Burglars often scout neighborhoods for signs that residents are away – like piled-up mail, dark windows, and a silent home. You can easily create the illusion of activity through automation:
Smart lighting: Program lights to turn on and off at random times in the evening.
Smart plugs: Set TVs or radios to power on for a few hours a day.
Exterior lights: Ensure porch and driveway lights stay on overnight for added visibility.
Don’t Broadcast Your Travel Plans
It’s tempting to post every holiday destination online, but doing so can alert potential burglars that your home is empty. Instead, wait until you are home to share photos.
If you must communicate travel details, do it privately. Let a trusted neighbor know you schedule so they can watch for suspicious activity.
Secure Every Entry Point
Even the most advanced alarm system needs strong physical defenses. Double-check that all doors and windows close tightly and have secure locks. Reinforce sliding doors with a bar or security dowel, and don’t forget about lesser-used areas like basement or garage entrances.
Integrate Cameras for Added Confidence
Security cameras do more than record incidents – they let you see what’s happening in real time. Position cameras to cover front and back entrances, driveways, and any ground-level windows.
Many systems allow you to view footage directly from your phone. If motion is detected, you can check the video instantly and alert authorities if necessary.
Double Check Your Monitoring Services
If your system is professionally monitored, verify that your contact information is current. Make sure the monitoring center has your phone number and emergency contacts in case an alert occurs while you are out of town.
Stay Secure with NCA Alarms
For over 30 years, NCA Alarms has been helping Nashville homeowners feel confident about their safety, especially during busy travel seasons. Our locally operated team provides state-of-the-art home security systems, professional monitoring, and easy-to-use smart technology that fits every lifestyle.
Whether you are heading out of town or simply want to enhance everyday security, NCA Alarms can help you protect what matters most.