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Whether you’re heading to the beach, to a reunion, to the slopes, or to somewhere slightly more exotic this year, don’t forget to take a minute to make sure your home is safer and more secure while you’re on vacation. In order to help, we’ve put together some thoughts on summer safety and home security.

Home security companies across the United States all agree that your home is more vulnerable when you’re away for extended periods of time. And while undoubtedly most agree that a monitored home security system is the best way to provide fire protection and especially burglary protection, they do admit that there are several additional steps you can take to make sure your home is safe and secure during a prolonged absence.

Burglary protection while you’re away from home now means much more than turning on a kitchen light or arming your alarm system. Savvy homeowners are beginning to leave their keys with a trusted neighbor rather than hiding them somewhere close to the front porch, and homeowners who own security system and those who don’t are both using light timers and simple window wedges to add an additional layer of security.

Another useful but often-overlooked home security technique for vacationing homeowners is to simply keep their neighbors in the know. An informed neighbor will be more aware of suspicious activities than an uninformed neighbor.

Lastly, homeowners and home security companies alike agree that if you do decide to equip your home with an alarm system, you should take the time to analyze your family’s needs so you can fit your home with an alarm that provides the right amount of fire protection, burglary protection, and medical protection that you might need, both while you’re at home and while you’re on vacation.