How Can I Lock My Garage Door When I’m Away on Vacation?

How to Secure Your Garage Door Before Going on Vacation

Everyone looks forward to vacation time, but one common concern for homeowners is how to keep their property safe while they’re away. Your garage door, being one of the largest and most accessible entry points to your home, can be a vulnerable target for intruders if not properly secured. In fact, older garage door models are particularly at risk, as they may be easier for burglars to manipulate. However, there are several effective ways to ensure your garage door remains secure during your time away, giving you peace of mind.

Ask Your Neighbors for Help

Before you even think about securing your garage, one of the most effective measures is to enlist the help of a trusted neighbor. Neighbors can be your eyes and ears, keeping an eye on your property while you're away. A friendly neighbor can water your plants, bring in your mail, and even park in your driveway occasionally to give the illusion that someone is home. This simple act can deter burglars from targeting your home. Building a good relationship with your neighbors also creates a network of support when either of you is away on vacation.

How to Secure Your Garage Door

Here are several steps you can take to ensure that your garage door is as secure as possible before leaving for vacation:

1. Secure Your Garage Door Remote

The remote control for your garage door is an easy entry point for burglars. Never leave it in your car during vacation, as a thief could easily access it and break into your home. Consider a model with rolling code technology, which changes the security code every time the remote is used. This makes it much harder for someone to use the remote if they steal it.

Additionally, check if your garage door opener features a vacation lock function. Activating this lock will prevent the remote from opening the door while you're away. It's an easy step that adds an extra layer of security to your home.

2. Go Smart with Your Garage Door

If you have a modern garage door opener, consider upgrading to a smart garage door system. These systems allow you to monitor and control your garage door from anywhere in the world using a smartphone app. You can remotely lock or close your garage door, ensuring that it stays secure even if you forget to close it before leaving.

Some smart systems also integrate with security cameras, allowing you to monitor the status of your garage door and even allow contractors or delivery personnel to access your garage remotely, all while keeping an eye on the activity. This added level of control and monitoring is particularly useful for peace of mind while on vacation.

3. Lock the Linking Door to Your Home

A common mistake homeowners make is thinking that locking the garage door itself is enough to keep their home secure. However, many homes have a door that links the garage to the main house, and if this door is not properly locked, an intruder can gain easy access to your home. Ensure that this door is sturdy, equipped with a solid deadbolt, and locked properly before you leave. The more layers of security you have in place, the harder it will be for intruders to gain access.

4. Additional Tips for Garage Door Security

In addition to the steps mentioned, you can also consider using a padlock to secure the garage door tracks, making it harder for someone to force the door open. If your garage door has an emergency release mechanism, be sure to secure it as well to prevent anyone from using it to bypass the system. Another useful tip is to close the windows or install window coverings to prevent burglars from seeing inside your garage.

Need Professional Help? Call Titan Garage Doors Des Moines

Garage doors can be vulnerable, but with a few simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins while you’re away. Keep your garage door remote safe, secure the linking door to your home, and consider using smart technology for extra peace of mind. If you want to ensure that your garage door is properly secured before your next vacation, contact Titan Garage Doors Des Moines for expert advice and service.

For more information or to schedule a security inspection, call Titan Garage Doors today!

Garage Doors Safety