Whether families are leaving for a long weekend or a two-week summer vacation, it is important to ensure their home will be safe and secure while away. There are a number of home security tips that can help homeowners enjoy their vacation knowing their home is safe.

One of the best ways families can keep their home safe may be to hire a housesitter. Having a trustworthy friend or family member check in on the home and grab the mail can make it appear that someone is in the home, as burglars may be more attracted to an empty home.

If this is not an option, the source recommends having the mail held while also putting newspaper deliveries on hold, as a pile could give away that the family is out of town. Setting timers for lights and even household appliances can also give the illusion that the home is not empty.

While taking these preventative steps toward having a safer home can help, it may not be enough to keep thieves at bay. Homeowners should still put all valuables, from expensive jewelry to important documents, into a safe and keep it well-hidden in their home.