# Home Security Surge Expected as 72 Million Americans Travel This July 4th

AAA projects 72 million Americans will hit the road for July 4th week, leaving homes vacant and vulnerable to theft and damage. Property owners taking extended vacations need concrete steps to protect their investments during peak travel season.

Unoccupied homes attract burglars. Experienced thieves scout neighborhoods during summer months when driveways sit empty and yards go unmaintained. Basic security measures slash risk significantly.

Homeowners should install visible security system signs even without full systems. Stop mail and package delivery or have neighbors collect them daily. Packages stacked on porches signal absence. Ask trusted neighbors to park cars in driveways and vary outdoor light patterns using timers. Motion-sensor lights deter intruders from dark entryways.

Smart home technology offers remote monitoring. Homeowners can check door locks, cameras, and water sensors from anywhere. This matters for detecting burst pipes or break-ins within hours rather than days.

Physical preparation prevents secondary damage. Turn off water to external faucets. Close interior blinds and curtains to block sightlines into empty rooms. Secure sliding glass doors with dowels or security bars. Trim tree branches near windows and rooflines. Leave air conditioning at reasonable temperatures to prevent mold growth during humid summer weeks.

Notify local police non-emergency lines about extended absences. Many departments offer vacation house checks. Homeowners with rental properties should ensure tenants secure properties similarly.

Landlords face particular exposure. Tenants leaving for the holiday week create liability gaps. Property managers should verify security protocols, especially in multi-unit buildings where vacant units invite unauthorized access.

Sellers listing homes during summer vacation season should warn buyers about open-house security gaps. Vacant properties during showings require locked valuables and locked interior doors.

Insurance