ESA Provides Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling During Spring Break
Monday, March 4, 2013
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Posted by: ESA Communications
Warmer weather is right around the corner, and if you’re like millions of Americans, you may be celebrating its arrival with a vacation during spring break. But before you pack up and head out, make sure you aren’t neglecting the security of the home that you’re leaving behind.For Immediate Release PRESS RELEASEESA Media ContactsLaurie KnoxVice President,Communications & Public RelationsPhone: (888) 447-1689 ext. 6825E-mail: [email protected] OgleCommunications SpecialistPhone: (888) 447-1689 ext. 6813E-mail: [email protected] BengtsonCommunications CoordinatorPhone: (888) 447-1689 ext. 6811E-mail: [email protected] Provides Tips to Keep Your Home SafeWhile Traveling During Spring BreakThe Electronic Security Association (ESA) provides home security tips for spring break travelersIrving, Texas (March 5, 2013) — Warmer weather is right around the corner, and if you’re like millions of Americans, you may be celebrating its arrival with a vacation during spring break. But before you pack up and head out, make sure you aren’t neglecting the security of the home that you’re leaving behind.According to the preliminary 2012 Uniform Crime Report published by the FBI, robbery, burglary and property crime are back on the rise compared to 2011. Here are a few tips from the Electronic Security Association (ESA) that can help protect your home while you are away.Keep your traveling under wraps. While you may want to share your exciting travel plans, it’s best to keep that news offline. Posting information about the date and destination of your trip on social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter makes you an easy target for potential burglars. It’s also important to be conscious of your social media activity while you’re gone. Avoid sharing your whereabouts via various location-based social networking websites such as Foursquare or Gowalla. As tempting as it is to share a picture with friends, wait to post photos from your trip until you return home. Discourage burglars from choosing your home. Burglars prefer to break into homes that are unoccupied, so one way to protect your belongings is to make it appear as though you are home. Set timers on lights, radios and televisions to turn them on during appropriate times. Ask a neighbor you trust to put your trash cans out on trash day and pick up your mail and newspaper. You can also temporarily stop delivery of your mail and newspaper while you are away. Additionally, burglars will take notice of an overgrown lawn and use overgrown hedges as a hiding spot. Make proper arrangements to have your lawn mowed and foliage trimmed if you will be gone for an extended amount of time.Deny easy access to your belongings. Research shows that burglars usually spend no more than 60 seconds breaking into a home. Using locks on windows and doors is one of the most basic ways to increase the break-in time, which may cause burglars to look elsewhere. It is estimated that nearly one-third of all burglars enter through the front door, so install deadbolt locks for added security. Also consider using motion-sensor lights in the dark areas outside of your home, such as your garage or backyard.Manage the risk by enlisting help. Inform trusted neighbors, friends and family of your vacation plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Tell them how long you will be gone, as well as names and descriptions of anyone who may need access to your house. Always leave a house key and a phone number where you can be reached with a trusted individual. Avoid accidentally triggering your alarm by making sure anyone who will have access to your home knows how to properly operate your alarm system. If you will be taking an extended vacation, consider a house sitter and let your local police know when you will be away.Protect your home by being able to detect a burglar. Studies also show that homes without security systems are three times more likely to be broken into than homes equipped with a system. By investing in a security system, you’ll add to your protection and peace of mind, whether you’re at home or away. You can find a reputable security company in your area by visiting www.alarm.org, a home security resource for consumers.Before your vacation, get into the habit of arming your system each time you leave your home. Crime statistics show that homes with security systems are often successfully burglarized because the system was not armed at the time of the burglary. Keep an eye on your home while you’re away. Smart home technology can be a useful tool for protecting your property while you travel. An enhanced security system complete with surveillance cameras gives you the power to see what’s going on in your home and receive activity alerts straight to your web-enabled device.Smart home technology can also save you money on your heating bills while you’re away. And you won’t have to come home to a chilly house. With the press of a button, you can program your lights and air conditioning to turn on before you get home. To create a smart home that works for your lifestyle, visit www.secureplusweb.org and find a SECURE+ integrator in your area. SECURE+ integrators are security companies committed to a higher standard of expertise within the enhanced home control and home automation market.To keep your home safe and sound during spring break, go to www.alarm.org to find an ESA member who can create a security plan that will protect your home during your vacation and beyond. ABOUT ESA Established in 1948, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) is the largest trade association representing the electronic life safety and security industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. In cooperation with an alliance of chapter associations, ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools, and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. ESA may be reached at (888) 447-1689 or on the Web at www.ESAweb.org/. You are receiving this press release as a courtesy of the Electronic Security Association (ESA). If you prefer to receive information in a different format, or as an attachment, or if you need additional information, please contact the Communications Department.Electronic Security Association6333 N. State Highway 161, Suite 350 • Irving, TX 75038Toll Free (888) 447-1689 • Local (972) 807-6800 • Fax (972) 807-6883 All content 2013 © Electronic Security Association, Inc.