Summer Security Tips for Gated Communities During the Holidays

The summer holidays bring a welcome mix of sunshine, celebrations, and travel—but for gated communities, they also introduce security risks that demand attention. With more residents away, an increase in guests, and a rise in package deliveries, it's vital to reassess and strengthen your gated community summer security plan.

Whether you’re a property manager, HOA board member, or security contractor, keeping your neighborhood protected starts with proactive planning—and strong remote gate access systems.

Why Summer Security Requires a Different Strategy

July 4th, Labor Day, and extended summer vacations all create unique challenges for gated communities:

• More foot and vehicle traffic from guests and short-term renters

• Unattended homes with visible signs of vacancy

• Higher volumes of deliveries and service providers

• Late-night activity and outdoor gatherings

All of this increases the potential for unauthorized entry, gate breaches, and property crime if your security systems aren’t ready.

1. Reinforce Remote Gate Access Control

The first and most important line of defense for any gated community is its remote gate access system. If your gates are outdated, malfunctioning, or unmonitored, your community is vulnerable.

Here’s how to strengthen your gate access:

• Use cloud-based or app-controlled gate openers that allow management to grant, restrict, or monitor access in real time.

• Ensure all remotes and key fobs are assigned and trackable—remove access for former residents or staff.

• Install cameras at all gate entry points and connect them to your remote access system for live monitoring and recordings.

• Set time-based access rules for contractors, cleaners, or part-time staff.

Explore our selection of remote gate access systems for modern communities.

2. Prepare for Guest and Visitor Surges

Summer means visitors—lots of them. From family reunions to weekend getaways, your gates will open and close more frequently.

To manage this without compromising security:

• Use virtual visitor codes that expire after a set time or date.

• Install video-enabled entry systems to visually verify all guests.

• Add signage directing deliveries or guests to designated areas to reduce traffic buildup at the gate.

• Use license plate recognition (LPR) or temporary RFID tags for authorized recurring guests.

If you're still relying on manual intercoms or callboxes, now is the time to modernize.

3. Monitor Common Areas and Amenities

Pools, gyms, parks, and clubhouses are popular in summer—but they’re also hotspots for trespassing and damage.

Security tips for amenities:

• Require access codes or key fobs for entry, synced with resident profiles.

• Install motion-activated cameras at entrances and in parking areas.

• Post community hours and policies visibly near amenities.

• Monitor guest limits and prohibit unregistered gatherings during holidays.

Need to secure your pool gates? See our guide on summer gate locking hardware.

4. Watch for Property Vacancy Risks

Empty homes are prime targets for break-ins—especially when it’s obvious that someone is away.

Here’s how to prevent issues:

• Encourage residents to pause mail and use smart home lighting schedules.

• Ask neighbors to keep an eye on unoccupied units.

• Work with security teams to check for signs of tampering or forced entry during patrols.

• Use automated logs in your remote gate access system to monitor unusual access attempts.

For more coverage, pair your gate system with security cameras and outdoor sensors.

5. Train Residents and Staff

The best security system can fail if your community isn’t on board. Educate residents and staff about:

• Not sharing access codes or remotes

• How to report suspicious activity

• Summer holiday policies (noise, parking, firework rules)

• What to do during a system outage or power failure

Consider sending a seasonal newsletter or SMS reminder ahead of major holidays.

You can also include safety tips from our 4th of July travel checklist.

6. Evaluate and Upgrade Your Technology

Still using outdated hardware or separate systems for access, cameras, and logs? Summer is a perfect time for a full tech review.

Look for opportunities to integrate:

• Smartphone-based entry apps

• Gate openers with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

• Centralized access control dashboards

• Weatherproof enclosures and surge protection

Start with our guide to protecting gate systems from summer storms.

Final Thoughts: Summer Can Be Safe and Seamless

A secure gated community doesn’t have to feel restrictive—it just needs systems that are ready for the increased activity that comes with summer holidays. By upgrading your remote gate access, training residents, and securing common areas, you’ll create a community that’s both welcoming and well-protected.

Holiday Security Checklist for Gated Communities:

• Remote gate access system is updated and secure

• Visitor codes and camera systems are in place

• Amenities require access and are monitored

• Unoccupied homes are flagged for patrol

• Residents are briefed on summer safety

• Tech has been evaluated for potential upgrades

Browse All Security Equipment for the best summer-ready access control products, cameras, and gate openers.