Going on Vacation? 7 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away

Summer in the Temecula Valley is made for vacations—family road trips, lake weekends, cruises, and catching a break from the day-to-day grind. But while you’re relaxing, your home could become a target for opportunistic burglars who know summer is prime time for empty houses. That’s why following proven vacation home security tips is essential to keeping your property safe while you’re away.

At A-Bell Alarms, we’ve protected homes across Southwest Riverside County for over 50 years. We’ve seen firsthand how a few simple security steps can make a big difference when you’re away from home. Whether you’re gone for a weekend or a few weeks, these 7 vacation home security tips will help you keep your property protected—and your peace of mind intact.

1. Use Your Security System Like a Pro

If you have a professionally installed A-Bell security system, you’re already starting from a strong foundation. But don’t forget the basics:

• Arm your system every time you leave the house
• Double-check that all sensors and devices are working
• Make sure your system is communicating with the monitoring center

Before your trip, it’s a good idea to test your system. You can even schedule a quick walkthrough with our team if it’s been a while. We’ll make sure everything’s in good shape before you head out.

2. Activate Mobile Alerts with Total Connect

The Resideo Total Connect 2.0 App is one of the best tools for homeowners who travel. It gives you mobile control over your alarm system, cameras, smart locks, thermostats, and more.

You can:

• Arm or disarm your system from anywhere
• Receive instant alerts if there’s an alarm trigger or activity
• View live or recorded video from your security cameras
• Lock or unlock doors remotely for pet sitters or deliveries

It’s like being home—without being home.

📱 If you don’t already use Total Connect, let us know. We’ll help you get set up before your trip.

3. Don’t Broadcast Your Vacation on Social Media

This one’s tough, but important. Posting real-time vacation updates might seem harmless, but they can tip off the wrong people that your home is empty. Think before you post—sharing your trip in real time can make your home a target. Review online privacy tips before your vacation to help keep your home and digital presence secure.

We recommend:

• Waiting to share vacation photos until after you return
• Turning off location tags on social media posts
• Using private stories or close friends lists if you really want to share in the moment

Burglars don’t need to know you’re sipping piña coladas in Maui until you’re back safe and sound.

4. Check Your Cameras (and Add Where Needed)

Cameras are a powerful deterrent, especially when they’re visible and well-placed. Make sure your indoor and outdoor cameras are clean, connected, and positioned correctly.

•  Focus on key areas: front door, side gates, backyard, garage
• Adjust motion sensitivity settings before leaving
• Check that your internet connection is stable
• Review your cloud storage settings to ensure footage is saved

Don’t have cameras yet? We offer integrated Resideo camera systems that work seamlessly with your alarm and mobile app.

5. Vacation Home Security Tips: Make Your Home Look Lived-In with Smart Automation

A dark, quiet house for days on end is an open invitation. That’s where smart automation steps in.

With Total Connect and the ProSeries alarm panel, you can:

• Program lights to turn on and off at certain times
• Adjust your thermostat while you’re away
• Control smart plugs for TVs or radios to create background noise
• Lock and unlock smart deadbolts remotely

It’s all about creating the illusion that someone’s home—even when no one is.

6. Enlist a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

There’s no substitute for a good neighbor. Before you leave, ask someone you trust to:

• Bring in the mail and any packages
• Roll trash bins to the curb and back
• Water plants or check inside the house occasionally
• Be your local emergency contact if needed

Also, let them know how to reach you and who to call if the alarm goes off. If they’ve never used your system, a quick demo before you leave can be helpful.

7. Update Your Emergency Contact List

This one is often overlooked. Before you head out of town, make sure your emergency contacts are current with our monitoring center.

Ask yourself:

• Is the listed person still local and reachable?
• Do they know your pets, alarm code, or how to reach you?
• Do they have a spare key if needed?

Having the right backup contact can speed up emergency response and give you more flexibility while traveling.

✨ Bonus Tip: Let Us Help Before You Go

Even seasoned travelers can forget a step or two. If you’re planning a vacation and want to double-check your system, cameras, or app setup, we’re just a phone call away. We can even walk you through how to use Total Connect features you may not be taking advantage of yet.

We’ve been protecting Temecula Valley homes since 1985, and we know how to prep your system so you can leave town without second-guessing your security.

✅ Going Somewhere? Let’s Make Sure You’re Covered.

Whether you’re road-tripping up the coast or flying cross-country, we’re here to make sure your home stays protected while you’re away.

📞 Give us a call before you go—we’ll walk you through any last-minute security upgrades or settings you want to double-check.
No pressure. Just real advice from your local security experts.