Traveling with family should be all about fun, relaxation and building relationships with those you love. While far away from home, the last thing you want is to worry about whether your home and vehicles are secure. So here are some tips for securing your garage’s automatic door, side doors and home entry door before heading out on vacation.
Secure the Main Entrance Door
There are several ways to secure your automatic garage door against burglars and vandals.
It’s important to disable remote access for your system by enabling Vacation Mode. This will prevent intruders from using their own universal or programmable garage remote to open your door. Even if they copied the radio signal from your remote using a code grabber, disabling remote access will prevent them from gaining entrance using that specific method. However, keyless entry and wireless entry options may still need additional security measures.
You might also simply unplug the garage’s door opener from the ceiling outlet, as this will make any automatic entry impossible. But check your system or consult a garage door services expert for additional security options.
Adding a physical padlock and deadbolt on the exterior of your automatic door may also help deter potential thieves and cause them to pass by in search of an easier target.
Secure Other Doors in Your Garage
Securing your garage before heading out on vacation includes more than just locking down the main entrance door. Most garages will also have a garage entry door leading from the house into the garage. And your garage might also have one or more garage pedestrian doors that allow entry from the front yard or back yard.
All of those doors can be locked with heavy duty deadbolts and perhaps other physical measures like kick plates and reinforced hinges.
Assessing Your Garage’s Vulnerabilities
Identifying Potential Weaknesses To effectively secure your garage, start by assessing it’s current vulnerabilities:
- Garage Door: Check if your garage door is equipped with a reliable locking mechanism and if it’s in good condition.
- Windows: Ensure that any windows in your garage are properly secured with locks or security bars.
- Side Door: If your garage has a side door, make sure it has a sturdy lock and is made of solid material.
- Home Access: Evaluate the door connecting your garage to your home’s interior, ensuring it has a strong lock and is made of solid-core construction.
- Lighting: Assess the lighting in and around your garage, as well-lit areas can deter burglars.
Improve Lighting and Visibility on Property
Visibility is a key factor in preventing home robberies and garage break-ins. So anything you can do to light up your garage entry points, remove potential hiding places and cause would-be burglars to be exposed in the open longer while attempting to gain access to your garage can be helpful.
To that end, motion-sensors and flood lights are always a good idea. Make sure all doors, windows, driveway gates and access points are well-lit. Even trimming back shrubs and low-hanging tree branches in the front yard can improve visibility and add another layer of deterrence.
Keep your driveway clear and never leave newspapers and mail where they can be seen from the street. Request a hold at your local post office or ask a trusted friend, neighbor or family member to retrieve them while you’re away.
Install Garage Alarm and Security Cameras
Lastly, no home can be fully secured to prevent break-ins while on vacation without a security alarm. And this applies to your garage too. All doors and windows in your garage need to be connected to your home’s alarm and security system to automatically alert the security company of trouble in real time.
If your budget allows for it, security cameras are another great investment that can add another layer of security to your garage and home 24/7, whether you are home or away on vacation. Most camera systems these days can also be connected to your smart home network, allowing remote viewing from your smartphone.
While away on vacation with your family, there’s no need to worry about whether your home is safe and secure. Follow these garage security tips to keep your home, vehicles and possessions safe so you can kick back and enjoy some needed rest and relaxation.
If you live in the Salt Lake City area and have any questions or concerns about garage security, contact Universal Garage Door Repair online or call us at (801) 784-4550.
Why Garages Are Targeted by Burglars
Garages are often overlooked when it comes to home security, but they can be a prime target for burglars. Here’s why:
- Easy Access: Garages often have fewer security measures compared to the main house, making them easier to break into.
- Valuable Items: Garages frequently store expensive tools, bicycles and other valuable items that are attractive to thieves.
- Home Access: An attached garage can provide direct access to your home’s interior, allowing burglars to enter undetected.
