Ensuring your home security while on vacation isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity for Colorado Springs homeowners. At System Links Colorado, we’ve seen firsthand how implementing security measures can mean the difference between a relaxing getaway and a homecoming disaster. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway to the mountains or an extended summer vacation, implementing comprehensive protection strategies gives you the peace of mind to fully enjoy your time away.
Let’s explore proven methods to safeguard your property while you’re creating memories elsewhere. These approaches combine traditional wisdom with modern technology to create a security shield around your home that works even when you’re hundreds of miles away. Effective home security while on vacation requires thoughtful planning and strategic implementation, but the peace of mind is worth every effort.
Make Your Home Look Actively Occupied
Burglars specifically target homes that appear empty. Creating the illusion of occupancy remains one of the most effective strategies for home security while on vacation.
Advanced Light Programming
Move beyond basic timers with smart lighting systems that create realistic occupancy patterns. Rather than lights turning on and off at the same times each day (a potential red flag to observant criminals), program variations that mimic natural human behavior:
- Kitchen and bathroom lights in the morning
- Living areas illuminated in the evening
- Occasional late-night lighting in bedrooms
- Random variations to prevent predictable patterns
For Colorado Springs homes with large picture windows that showcase your interior from the street, this strategic lighting provides a powerful deterrent against opportunistic break-ins. When planning home security while on vacation, lighting automation should be a top priority for creating convincing occupancy patterns.
Thoughtful Property Maintenance
Nothing screams “empty house” like unaddressed maintenance issues. Arrange for these essential services:
- Scheduled lawn care during the summer months
- Snow removal services in winter (crucial in Colorado Springs)
- Mail holds
- Occasional driveway occupancy (a neighbor parking in your driveway)
Many Colorado Springs neighborhood watch groups coordinate these services for vacationing residents. Check if your community offers this cooperative approach to vacation coverage. Proper property maintenance is a fundamental aspect of home security while on vacation that is often overlooked until it’s too late.
Layer Your Physical Security Measures
Comprehensive home security while on vacation requires multiple protective layers that work together to deter, delay, and detect potential intruders.
Strengthen Entry Points
Before departure, conduct a thorough inspection of all possible entry points:
- Reinforce door frames with strike plates and 3-inch screws
- Ensure all window locks function correctly and are engaged
- Secure sliding doors with security bars or pins
- Consider temporary security films for vulnerable windows
These physical barriers increase the time and effort required for forced entry, often convincing would-be burglars to seek easier targets. Professional security assessments can identify vulnerable points you might miss when planning your home security while on vacation.
Strategic Landscaping and Lighting
Your property’s exterior plays a big part in deterring criminal activity. In particular, pay attention to your landscaping:
- Prune bushes below window height
- Trim tree branches that could provide access to second-story windows
- Install motion-activated lighting around all entry points
- Ensure dark areas of your property receive adequate illumination
Colorado’s natural landscape often includes dense vegetation that can provide cover for unwanted visitors. Strategic trimming and lighting eliminate these advantages while maintaining your home’s aesthetic appeal.
Deploy Modern Surveillance Systems
A professional-grade camera system serves as both a deterrent and a means of documentation, dramatically improving home security while on vacation.
Optimal Camera Placement
Strategic placement maximizes the effectiveness of your surveillance system. Our installation experts recommend covering these critical areas:
- All entry doors (front, back, side, garage)
- First-floor windows accessible from the ground level
- Driveways and walkways approaching your home
- Backyard and side yard access points
For Colorado Springs homes backing open spaces or trails, additional coverage of these vulnerable perimeter areas provides crucial protection against unmarked approaches to your property.
Keep Reading: Best Places to Install Home Security Cameras
Remote Access and Storage Solutions
Modern surveillance systems offer two critical features for vacation security:
- Remote access through secure mobile apps to live feeds and recordings
- Cloud storage that preserves evidence even if physical equipment is damaged or stolen
These capabilities ensure that you maintain awareness of your property’s status, regardless of distance, while protecting valuable evidence should a security incident occur. When comparing options for home security while on vacation, look for systems offering both remote access and secure cloud storage solutions.
Create a Community Security Network
Individual efforts multiply when coordinated with neighbors and local resources. Establishing a community approach enhances home security while on vacation for everyone involved.
Neighbor Engagement Strategies
Before departure, connect with trusted neighbors:
- Share your vacation timeline (with people you trust)
- Provide emergency contact information
- Arrange for periodic property checks
Colorado Springs neighborhoods with active community groups often coordinate these efforts throughout the year, creating mutual support systems that benefit all residents.
Putting Your Friends and Family to Work
Having a trusted family member or friend stop by your house while you are on vacation can not only keep your houseplants alive but can also give your home the appearance of habitation. Consider asking them to stop by periodically to ensure everything is as it should be.
You Might Like: Gated Community Security Cameras That Keep Colorado Springs Neighborhoods Safe
Home Security While On Vacation Starts Before You Leave
The most effective vacation security begins with thorough preparation. Create a comprehensive departure checklist to ensure no vulnerabilities are overlooked.
Pre-Departure Security Audit
Before leaving, conduct this essential security check:
- Test all alarm systems and notification processes
- Verify camera systems are functioning properly
- Confirm remote access to all security features
- Check battery backups for essential systems
- Secure valuables in quality safes or off-site storage
For Colorado Springs residents, seasonal considerations should factor into this audit. Winter travelers should include measures to prevent freezing, while summer departures may require additional steps to mitigate wildfires.
Social Media Awareness
While sharing vacation photos is tempting, real-time social announcements of your absence create unnecessary risk. Consider these alternatives:
- Delay posting until your return
- Avoid location tagging that reveals your absence
- Utilize private sharing options for close friends and family
- Never post specific dates of your trip publicly
These simple precautions prevent broadcasting your empty home to potential wrongdoers who might be monitoring online activities. Social media habits are often the most overlooked aspect of home security while on vacation, yet they can reveal critical information to the wrong individuals.
Invest in Peace of Mind
The ultimate benefit of comprehensive home security while on vacation is the freedom to fully enjoy your time away. Knowing you’ve implemented professional-grade protection allows you to disconnect from worry and connect with the experiences that make travel worthwhile.
At System Links Colorado, we specialize in creating custom security camera solutions tailored to your specific property and needs. Our team of local security professionals understands the unique challenges Colorado Springs homeowners face, from seasonal concerns to neighborhood-specific considerations.
Remember, effective home security while on vacation isn’t about implementing a single solution—it’s about creating layers of protection that work together to keep your property safe until you return. Let us help you build that protective shield around what matters most.
Contact us today to schedule your on-site home security evaluation and free quote.
Originally Published: 03/7/2022 | Updated: 6/11/2025
