If you're looking for a home in Beavercreek, safety and security will be high on your priority list. Our Midwestern neighborhoods are family-friendly and low on crime, so you've come to the right place. However, no matter where you live, an unoccupied home is always going to come with some safety risks. When you're away on vacation, it's important to know how to minimize these risks.

Protect your investment and plan ahead with the following eight ways to protect your Beavercreek home while you're away.

1. Tell a neighbor you'll be gone.
   As soon as you move into your new Beavercreek neighborhood, introduce yourself to some of the neighbors. This isn't just a good way to be social; it's a good way to stay safe. Before you leave, ask them to keep an eye on your property for any unwanted visitors or open doors.
2. Lock every window and door.
   Even if you think every opening is sealed and locked, check again. Sometimes homeowners forget upstairs window locks, back door deadbolts, or other important fastenings that keep intruders outside where they belong. Secure sliding doors with plywood to prevent forceful break-ins too.
3. Unplug appliances.
   Our Beavercreek weather can be unpredictable, especially during stormy seasons like summer and winter. In case of a power surge or any other electrical fire risk, unplug your major appliances, including the TV, coffee maker, desktop computer, and washer and dryer.
4. Stay off social media.
   Any online activity that verifies your absence is an advertisement to would-be criminals, so be smart about your social media use. Don't post countdowns to your upcoming trip, and wait until you get back home to share all those beach selfies and sunset shots.
5. Put your lights on a timer.
   Whether your house is dark for days for the lights are constantly on, no change will tell outsiders that no one is home. The key is to simulate the way your windows usually look. Make it look like you're still home by putting lamps and other light sources on pre-programmed timers.
6. Stop your mail and newspaper.
   Piled up newspapers will tell passersby you're gone, as will a bulging mailbox or packages on your front stoop. At least a few days before you leave for your vacation, make sure you've contacted the post office and asked a neighbor or friend to pick up packages, flyers, or newspapers that arrive.
7. Put away your valuables.
   Closing all the curtains for a week will attract suspicion (unless you already live with the blinds drawn), so just make sure nothing valuable is visible through your windows. Precious artwork, expensive electronics, jewelry, and even car keys should be stowed in closets and drawers.
8. Invest in a home security system.
   This might seem like a no-brainer, but too many homeowners stop short of investing in a working security system. Even if your sensors or cameras never catch an intruder, your insurance rate may go down while your home's market value goes up.

Beavercreek is a beautiful place to call home. Our real estate agents are committed to helping buyers and sellers make smart choices that keep our communities safe. Contact Wright-Patt Realty to find the right home for you in our local community.