If you have a second home or vacation property, it's essential to ensure that it remains secure while you are not there. Burglars often target vacant homes; they may see them as easy targets because they are typically unoccupied for long periods. To help protect your vacation home and keep it safe, here are some tips on setting up a home security system. 

Motion Detection

Motion detection is a helpful feature for security cameras because it only allows them to record when there is activity in the area being monitored. This can save you time by reducing the amount of footage you have to review, and it can also help to conserve battery life or storage space.

Night Vision

If you use your security cameras to monitor your vacation home at night, you'll want to choose cameras with night vision capabilities. These cameras use infrared technology to capture footage in low-light conditions.

Camera Locations

To maximize the effectiveness of your security cameras, place them in strategic locations around your vacation home. This might include entry points like doors and windows and areas with valuable items or high traffic. You'll also want to consider the field of view and the camera angle to ensure that it captures the desired location.

Sensor Types

Many different types of sensors are available for home security systems, including door and window sensors, motion detectors, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You'll want to choose appropriate sensors for your home and your needs. For example, if your vacation home is in an area prone to wildfires, include a smoke detector as part of your alarm system.

Smart Locks

Smart locks allow you to remotely lock and unlock your doors and grant access to specific individuals. This is particularly helpful if you have several people coming and going from your vacation home because you can give them temporary access without having to worry about lost keys.

Lighting

Burglars are less likely to target a home that looks occupied. To create the illusion of activity, consider using smart lights that can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times.

Security App

Download the app for your security system onto your smartphone, and use it to remotely access your security cameras and sensors from anywhere with an internet connection. A live video feed is accessible from your security cameras, giving you a real-time sense of what is happening at your vacation home. You can also set up alerts to be notified if any of your sensors are triggered, such as a door or window sensor being opened.

In addition to monitoring your home, you can also use the app to control your security system. For example, you can arm or disarm your system remotely or turn on and off specific sensors. You can also use the app to grant access to specific individuals, such as property managers or housekeepers, without worrying about lost keys.

Contact a local home security system service to learn more.