Suitcases by the door. Boarding passes on your phone. The summer trip you’ve been planning is finally here. But before you step onto that plane or hit the road, it’s worth asking, what’s going on at home while you’re away? Even a few days of travel can leave a home vulnerable if it’s not properly secured. That doesn’t mean you need to go overboard. It just means having the right tools in place so you can enjoy your time off without that nagging “what if” in the back of your mind.

Here’s how smart home security can keep your Fairfax County, VA, home protected while you’re making the most of summer.

SEE ALSO: How to Keep Your Home Safe With Smart Home Security

Check In from Anywhere

Today’s security cameras offer far more than grainy playback and static angles. Look for models with wide fields of view, motion detection, and night vision, not just to catch anything suspicious, but to give you a clear picture anytime you want to check in.

Whether you’re watching the dog on the back porch or just making sure the driveway’s quiet, remote monitoring lets you stay connected without feeling glued to your phone. Bonus points for cameras with two-way audio, which are great for talking to a delivery driver or giving instructions to a neighbor checking the mail.

No More Spare Keys Under the Mat

Smart locks make home access easier and safer. Instead of hiding a key or coordinating handoffs, you can assign temporary codes to neighbors or house sitters and track exactly when they come and go.

Worried that you forgot to lock something up? Just handle it from your phone. Some systems even let you set schedules so doors lock automatically at night, no reminders needed.

Make It Look Like You Never Left

One of the simplest ways to deter trouble is to make your home appear occupied. This goes beyond leaving a lamp on. Smart lighting lets you create realistic schedules for lights to turn on and off throughout the day. Combine that with motorized shades, and you’ve got a house that still feels lived in even when you’re a thousand miles away.

For an extra layer of protection, we can help you integrate your AV system as well, adding background noise to your home during key hours.

Stay Notified At All Times

Door and window sensors, motion detectors, and glass break monitors give you insight into what’s happening before it becomes a problem. These alerts can be customized by zone or time of day, so you don’t end up with false alarms every time the landscaper walks by. When something’s out of the ordinary, you’ll know. Quietly. Instantly.

Guard Those Deliveries

Packages don’t stop coming just because you’re on vacation. And unfortunately, neither do porch pirates. Doorbell cameras are your first line of defense, giving you eyes (and voice) at the front door. Some smart home systems let you trigger a quick lighting scene or send a pre-recorded message to ward off would-be thieves.

You can also leave instructions for delivery drivers or use a smart lock to allow trusted access for safe drop-offs.

Give Us a Call Before You Go

Travel should feel relaxing, not like you’re holding your breath until you get home. If you’re planning a trip soon, now’s the time to give your system a quick check or, better yet, upgrade the parts that aren’t pulling their weight. Contact A.B.E. Networks today for a consultation and find out what we can do to help you secure your home this summer!