Mitigating Security Risks for Peace of Mind this Summer
Summertime in Florida can be a time for family fun – school is out, vacation plans can be made, and lazy days spent at the beach or by the pool. However, summer also brings with it new security risks. Changes in schedules can make your home a target, and an empty house can become vulnerable.
Here are some ways you can help mitigate these risks and protect your home and belongings.
At home:
Summertime means an increase in Florida populations as tourist travel picks up in the Sunshine State. It also means that unsavory characters are looking for empty homes they can break into.
- Switch up your schedule. Most home break-ins happen during the day, when everyone is gone. With school out, older kids may be at home. Altering your schedule can keep would-be burglars off guard and less likely to target your home. Stagger visits to the beach, and plan playdates to help your home be seen as a hub of constant activity.
- Invest in a security system. In a survey of former burglars, 83 percent said they would try to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary. 60 percent said they would choose a house without an alarm over one that might have an alarm, and 81 percent said if they discovered an alarm while attempting a burglary, they would probably leave the premises.
- Teach kids the security basics. Make certain that everyone knows when and how to answer or not answer the door, and consider a smart lock that allows you to grant single use access to your home (you can send an access code to a family member, cleaner, gardener, or dog walker as needed.)
On the road:
If you’ve finally planned that Disney vacation, take steps to help make sure that not only your home but also your personal information is safe and secure. You’d be surprised at what someone can do with only a small amount of information about you, your family, and your home.
- Watch the WiFi usage. It’s tempting to log-in to free WiFi on the road or during pit stops, but be aware of your surroundings and the possibility that your phone could be hacked remotely. If your phone holds personal data, like your address, password, pin and other information, it could send thieves right to your door.
- Keep your keys close. This goes for both car and house keys, and key cards at hotels. Often the data about you such as your name, billing address, or credit card information is coded into the magnetic strip on a hotel key card, and this information can be used to hack your identity and lead people back to your home address.
- Limit social media sharing. Hackers can access social media and find out where you are and if your home is empty. Save your vacation pictures until you get home, and think twice before tagging locations in real time.
These risk mitigation tips can help you keep your family and your home safe all summer long. If you opt to rent out your home for all or part of the summer, ask your agent about short or long term landlord insurance for your property.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not form a part of, replace, change or amend any terms, conditions, provisions or language within your Olympus Insurance policy. We encourage you to read your entire policy.
