Safety First!
How to keep your home safe, here and abroad

One of the biggest concerns to Homeowners and Property Managers of Vacation Homes is the issue of Safety and Security. Some Insurance Companies require that homeowners buy homes in secured communities (gated, guarded, single entry) or have an alarm installed in addition to having a Property Manager. In some cases, you may be eligible for discounts on your insurance policy if you make these changes or keep these things in mind when shopping for a vacation home. Not only will you and your guests feel safer while in the home, you can have piece of mind when the vacation is over and its time to head back overseas.
Here are some tips from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office on things you can do to increase security and reduce liability in your Vacation Home or Primary residence.

Garage

* Doors feature wide-angle peepholes at heights everyone can use
* All entryways have a working, keyed entry lock and sturdy deadbolt lock installed into the frame of the door
* Spare keys are kept with a trusted neighbor, not under the doormat or planter, on a ledge, or in the mailbox

Garage & Sliding Door

* The overhead garage door has a lock so that you are not solely reliant on the automatic garage door opener to provide security
* The sliding glass door has a strong, working key lock
* A dowel or pin to secure the sliding glass door has been installed to prevent the door from being shoved aside or lifted off the track
* The sliding glass door is locked every night and each time you leave the house

Shielding Windows

* Every window in the home has a working key lock or is securely pinned
* Windows are always locked, even when they were opened a few inches for ventilation

Outdoor Security

* Shrubs/bushes are trimmed to so there is no place for someone to hide
* Every outside door has a bright, working light to illuminate visitors
* House number is clearly displayed so police and other emergency vehicles can see then

Outdoor Valuables and Personal Property

* Every bicycle is secured with a U-bar lock or quality padlock and chain

Home Security Inspections are offered free of charge by Community Services to enhance the security of you and your guests. Call 407-348-1190 to schedule your appointment.