Peace of Mind While You're Away: Vacation Security with Kangaroo
Vacation excitement is here! But worries about your empty home can linger. While crime stats fluctuate, vacant homes remain potential targets, and the feeling of vulnerability is real. Kangaroo Home Security offers a simple, modern, and affordable way to stay connected and ease those travel anxieties.
The Vacationer's Dilemma: Why Empty Homes Need Extra Attention
Leaving your home unoccupied introduces unique risks beyond daily concerns. Understanding these helps highlight why smart security is vital before traveling.
Theft and Vandalism: An empty house can attract burglars or vandals, especially during peak vacation times like summer. Vacant homes are targeted more often, even during daylight hours, with average losses potentially reaching thousands.
Unexpected Disasters (Environmental Threats): Internal issues like leaks or malfunctioning appliances can escalate when unnoticed, leading to costly water damage, mold, or burst pipes in cold weather. Monitoring temperature and humidity is crucial.
Maintenance and Appearance: Obvious signs of vacancy like overflowing mail, unkempt lawns, or un-shoveled driveways can attract unwanted attention.
Insurance Issues: Many policies have "vacancy clauses" that might limit coverage for issues like vandalism or water damage if the home is empty for an extended period (often 30-60 days). Monitored security can be important.
These factors show the need for a security approach addressing both external threats and internal risks.
Laying the Groundwork: Essential Pre-Travel Security Steps
Basic security measures create a strong foundation before adding smart tech. Complete this pre-travel checklist:
Manage Mail & Deliveries: Stop mail/deliveries or have a neighbor collect them to avoid signs of vacancy. Conceal evidence of recent valuable purchases (e.g., break down boxes).
Create the Illusion of Occupancy: Use timers for lights and radios/TVs to mimic your routine. Adjust blinds naturally. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally.
Secure All Entry Points: Double-check and lock all doors (use deadbolts), windows (including upper floors, garage, basement), and pet doors. Ensure frames are solid. Remove hidden spare keys; give one to a trusted neighbor instead.
Inform Key People: Tell trusted neighbors your travel dates and provide contact info. Notify your security company if you have one. Consider informing local police for long trips.
Maintain Appearance: Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ensure trash cans are brought in. Trim shrubs near entry points.
Internal Preparations: Set thermostat to save energy but prevent freezing (around 55°F/13°C). For long trips, consider shutting off the main water supply or at least valves to major appliances. Unplug non-essential electronics. Secure valuables in a safe or off-site.
These steps are passive; smart security adds active awareness. For broader travel safety, consult resources like the U.S. Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html) or checklists from insurers like Travelers (https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/safety/preparing-your-home-for-vacation).
Kangaroo to the Rescue: Smart, Simple Security for Worry-Free Wandering
Kangaroo adds real-time information and control, turning passive precautions into active peace of mind, based on values perfect for travelers:
Affordability: Effective security without high costs, often much lower than traditional systems.
Easy DIY Setup: Simple peel-and-stick installation guided by the app, set up in minutes without tools. Devices connect directly to Wi-Fi (required).
App Control & Remote Monitoring: Check in, view feeds, arm/disarm (if applicable), and get instant smartphone alerts anywhere with internet.
Flexibility for Everyone: Modular system adapts to renters or owners, apartments or houses. No long-term contracts required.
Kangaroo Monitoring Plan Comparison for Vacationers
| Feature | Basic Plan | Cam Protect ($1.99/mo/cam) | Complete Protect ($8.25/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost (approx.) | $0 | $1.99 (per camera) | $8.25 |
| Monitoring Type | Self | Self | Professional 24/7 |
| Key Camera Features | Basic | Enhanced (Person Detect, 2-Way Talk, Zones, etc.)* | Enhanced (up to 3 cams)* |
| Cloud Storage Duration | 24 Hours | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Activity History | Limited | 90 Days | 90 Days |
| Professional Monitoring | No | No | Yes |
| Theft/Damage Reimbursement | $0 | $250 / year | $1000 / year |
| Insurance Discount Help | No | No | Yes |
| Notification Types | App Push | App Push | App Push, Text, Voice Call |
| Smart Home Integration | Limited | Limited | Alexa & Google Assistant |
For travelers, Complete Protect's 24/7 monitoring offers a crucial safety net.
Conclusion: Pack Your Bags, Not Your Worries
Vacations are for memories, not home security stress. While basic steps help, Kangaroo provides the smart, simple, affordable active protection for true travel tranquility.
With easy DIY setup, app control, versatile devices (Video Doorbell, Indoor + Outdoor Cam, Water + Climate Sensor), and flexible monitoring (including 24/7 professional support), Kangaroo lets you stay connected and secure without traditional system complexity or cost.
Enjoy your next getaway confidently.
Explore Kangaroo's simple, affordable home security solutions today! Visit HeyKangaroo.com to learn more.