5 Security Features for Your Vacation Home

A vacation home can be particularly vulnerable to issues with burglary, fires, and even flooding. Problems may not be noticeable right away since the home sits empty for long periods. The right security system protects your vacation home so it is ready to welcome you back whenever you need a respite.

1. Monitoring

A monitored system is the wisest choice for a vacation home, especially one that is remote or doesn't have full-time neighbors to react to the sound of an unmonitored alarm. A monitored alarm can also save you from being billed for false alarms. Many municipalities require that homeowners have a permit for any alarm system, and they will bill the homeowner if emergency services go out for no reason.

Monitoring notifies the alarm service first in the event the system is triggered. They can then verify the possibility of a security breach, either by contacting you or viewing surveillance footage. This cuts down on false alarm calls to your empty vacation home.

2. Surveillance 

Surveillance falls into two categories: professional and personal. The right system will provide for both. Professional surveillance means that the alarm company can view your home as necessary to look for security or safety breaches.

Personal surveillance provides you with the opportunity to check on your vacation home visually while you are away, typically via an online app or web portal. You can choose how many cameras are available and where they are located, but generally, you should place them near entrances and in areas of the home's interior that are at risk.

3. Remote Access

You usually don't want to leave a key hidden under the mat for visitors or anyone who will check on the home while you are away, as this can be a security issue. A better option is to choose a system that allows for remote access. 

You have several types to choose from, but select one that can integrate into the security system so that an alarm can sound if someone tries to bypass the lock to gain entry. Lock options include keypads with entry codes, smart locks that use an app to unlock them, and fob-operated locks.

Some can integrate with smart home systems, which means you can change the code or assign a temporary code to a handyman service even if you are not able to visit the vacation home.

4. Fire Safety

Theft is not the only concern when you are away from a home for long periods. Fire from faulty electrical systems can destroy your property before anyone is aware that it is happening, especially if no neighbors are around to call emergency services.

Most monitored security systems will also provide fire monitoring. Smoke and heat detectors go throughout the home and then integrate into the security notification system. You can also opt to have gas detectors, such as those that monitor for natural gas leaks or carbon monoxide, with the system.

5. Leak Detection

Another common issue that vacation homeowners face, particularly in areas where freezing weather occurs, is leaks. Showing up at your vacation home and finding it flooded from a broken pipe with extensive water and mold damage can be devastating.

These alarms consist of moisture sensors in areas at high risk of leaks, such as in the basement or under a sink. They integrate into your security system. This means that if a leak is detected, then you or your security service gets a notification. This enables you to send in a plumber to address the leak before the damage becomes too severe.

Contact Coastal Burglar Alarm to learn more about the options available for your vacation home.