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When summer rolls around, most of us focus on travel plans, outdoor fun, and home improvement projects. But there’s one essential task every homeowner should prioritize to improve home safety this summer: a seasonal security check. With break-ins peaking during summer months and more people leaving homes unattended for vacations, now is the time to assess and strengthen your property’s defenses.
This summer security checklist provides five essential steps, product tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind all season long.
Why Summer Is Prime Time for a Home Security Check
Summer isn't just about sunshine—it’s also a peak season for security threats. Here’s why:
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Vacation Season = Empty Homes
Summer is prime time for travel, and burglars know it. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, burglary rates increase by up to 10% in summer compared to winter months. An empty home with no visible signs of activity is an easy target. A quick security check helps you avoid becoming part of summer burglary stats. -
Kids Are Home More Often
Whether it’s teens home alone or younger children playing in the yard, summer brings new safety concerns. Ensuring gates, locks, and cameras are secure helps protect your family. -
Storms and Seasonal Hazards
Summer weather can mean intense heat, lightning storms, or even power outages. These can impact garage doors, security systems, and electronic locks—making a seasonal home security check essential. A proper home safety summer routine can also help you stay prepared for fire hazards and electrical surges caused by severe weather.
5-Step Summer Home Security Check
Follow this simple yet effective summer security checklist to keep your home secure:
Step 1: Reinforce Entry Points
Doors and windows are your first line of defense. Inspect for wear and upgrade deadbolts or add smart locks. Consider upgrading to smart home deadbolts that allow remote control and real-time monitoring. You can also install sensors that detect forced entry or broken glass.
Step 2: Secure the Garage & Side Gates
Don’t overlook garages, side entrances, and back gates—they’re common entry points for intruders. Install automatic gate operators and ensure garage doors have secure locking systems. Many smart home systems now include garage door sensors that alert you when left open.
Step 3: Install or Upgrade Cameras
If you don’t already have surveillance, it’s time. If you do, check angles, connections, and motion settings. Today’s outdoor security camera systems can be remotely monitored via your phone and feature motion detection to notify you of any movement. Some systems can even distinguish between human activity and animals, reducing false alerts.
Step 4: Add Outdoor Lighting & Motion Detectors
Lighting is one of the best deterrents for nighttime trespassing. Add motion-activated lights near entrances, paths, and dark corners of your yard. Pair them with your smart home setup for full automation. Lighting with built-in motion detection is especially effective for deterring activity while you’re away.
Step 5: Control Access Remotely
With remote access control, you can unlock doors for guests, monitor deliveries, and view camera footage—even when you're away. Ideal for vacationing homeowners. Some systems integrate with your smartphone, voice assistants, and even smartwatches for a seamless smart home experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home security check?
A home security check is a seasonal inspection to evaluate and improve your home’s safety systems—doors, locks, cameras, lighting, and access controls. It helps prevent break-ins and ensures peace of mind. It's also a great opportunity to upgrade your smart home technology and install new motion detection devices.
How can I secure my home while on vacation?
Start by locking all entry points, installing visible cameras, using smart lights on timers, and enabling remote monitoring tools. Avoid sharing vacation plans on social media, as it can tip off intruders. Consider pausing mail delivery and asking neighbors to keep an eye out. Some homeowners even install temporary motion-activated sprinklers as a creative deterrent.
Are smart locks safer for summer travel?
Yes. Smart locks let you monitor and control your home from anywhere. You can grant temporary access codes to trusted friends and receive alerts if anything seems suspicious. Many models now feature motion detection, so you’ll know if someone is lurking near your doors.
Final Thoughts
Summer should be about relaxation, not worry. A thorough security check now can help you avoid unexpected risks later. Whether you're home for a backyard BBQ or away on a week-long vacation, investing in home safety this summer ensures your space is protected and your family stays safe. Don’t forget to schedule routine checks of your smart home systems and review any changes to your neighborhood’s safety trends.
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