Holiday travel is a welcome break for many Pittsburgh homeowners. Whether you’re visiting family out of state, taking a winter vacation, or spending a few days away during the busy season, time away from home often comes with added responsibilities. One of the most important, and frequently overlooked, is reviewing your home security before you leave.
Extended absences can increase a home’s vulnerability, especially during the holidays when routines change, deliveries increase, and properties may sit unoccupied for days at a time. Taking time to review your residential security system before traveling can help reduce risks and provide peace of mind while you’re away, particularly during a season when homes may be more visible, and activity patterns are easier to notice.
Homes are generally more vulnerable during holiday travel periods for several practical reasons. Longer absences mean fewer opportunities to notice minor issues, such as malfunctioning locks, offline cameras, or motion sensors that are no longer responding correctly. A minor issue that would normally be caught during daily routines can go unnoticed for days when no one is home.
Mail, packages, and deliveries also tend to increase during the holiday season. Leaving boxes on porches or letting mail accumulate in a mailbox can unintentionally signal that your home is unoccupied. In neighborhoods where homes are close together, these visual cues can be easy to spot.
Seasonal changes also play a role. Shorter daylight hours in Pittsburgh mean homes are dark earlier in the evening, and winter weather can affect visibility around entry points. Snow, ice, or holiday decorations may obstruct cameras or motion sensors without homeowners realizing it.
Social media adds another layer of exposure. While sharing travel plans or holiday photos is common, public posts can make it easier for others to determine when a home is likely to be empty. These factors don’t guarantee a security issue, but they do increase the importance of preparation before leaving town.
Smart locks and access control systems play a key role in residential security, especially when homeowners are away for an extended period. Before traveling, it’s vital to verify that all doors lock securely and that smart locks respond correctly to both physical and remote commands.
Homeowners should carefully review user access permissions. Temporary access codes for dog walkers, cleaners, contractors, or guests may still be active from earlier in the year. Removing unused codes or updating access settings helps limit who can enter the home while you’re away.
Smart locks with remote access provide an added benefit during travel. If a door is left unlocked or a lock status is unclear, homeowners can check and make adjustments using their smartphone. This can be especially helpful if plans change or if a neighbor needs temporary access to check on the property.
For many Pittsburgh homes, access points extend beyond the front door. You should also check basement entrances, side doors, and garage entry doors before leaving for your trip. Ensuring every entry point is secured helps reduce the risk of an oversight.
Security cameras provide valuable insight into what’s happening around your home while you’re away, but only if they’re properly positioned and functioning correctly. Before leaving for holiday travel, homeowners should confirm that all cameras are powered on, connected to the network, and recording as expected.
Seasonal conditions can affect camera performance. Snow accumulation, glare from holiday lights, or changes in outdoor lighting can reduce clarity or block views. Checking camera angles ensures that entrances, driveways, walkways, and other key areas remain visible.
Review your indoor cameras as well. Cameras that cover your main living areas, basements, or entryways can provide additional visibility during an absence. Ensuring these cameras are unobstructed and properly configured helps maintain consistent coverage throughout the home.
Remote access is another critical component. Being able to view live footage, review recorded clips, and receive alerts through your mobile device allows homeowners to stay informed regardless of their location. Confirming that apps are updated, notifications are enabled, and login credentials are current can prevent access issues while traveling.
Motion sensors and automation features help create the appearance of activity within a home, even when it’s unoccupied. Before traveling, homeowners should test motion sensors to confirm they respond appropriately and are not blocked by furniture, decorations, or seasonal items such as wreaths or indoor trees.
Automation schedules can also be adjusted to reflect time away. Interior lighting, exterior lights, and other smart features can be programmed to turn on and off at varying times, helping avoid patterns that appear too predictable. This creates a more natural sense of activity without requiring manual adjustments.
In Pittsburgh, winter conditions make these settings especially important. Earlier sunsets and longer nights mean lighting plays a larger role in home visibility. Reviewing automation schedules ensures lights are aligned with current daylight hours rather than older seasonal settings.
Some systems also allow homeowners to receive alerts when motion is detected. Ensuring these notifications are active provides additional awareness while away and will enable homeowners to respond quickly if something appears out of place.
A professionally monitored security system adds another layer of protection during extended absences. With 24/7 monitoring, alerts are reviewed continuously, even when homeowners are unavailable or in a different time zone.
SSA provides residential security systems in Pittsburgh supported by round-the-clock monitoring and local service. As a family-owned company serving the region since 1972, SSA understands the needs of homes across Pittsburgh and its surrounding suburbs. Licensed technicians handle installation, inspections, and system maintenance, ensuring equipment performs reliably.
Local presence is crucial when response time is critical. If an alarm is triggered or a system issue arises, having technicians familiar with the area allows for efficient communication and timely support. This local responsiveness can be especially valuable during busy holiday periods when homeowners may be harder to reach.
Professional monitoring also reduces the burden on homeowners to check alerts constantly. Having trained professionals monitor your system allows you to focus on travel and spending time with your family rather than routine system oversight.
Before heading out for holiday travel, homeowners should take the time to review their security setup thoroughly. A pre-travel check can help identify issues early and reduce the chance of problems during an absence.
Homeowners should verify that all doors and windows, including smart locks, secondary entrances, and garage access points, lock properly. You should test your cameras for clarity, proper coverage, and reliable connectivity. You should also check your motion sensors for obstructions or sensitivity issues that seasonal changes may cause.
Automation schedules should be reviewed and adjusted to reflect current daylight hours and travel duration. Monitoring services should be confirmed as active, with up-to-date contact information in case an alert requires follow-up.
Taking care of these steps before leaving helps ensure your system works as intended and reduces the need for last-minute adjustments or reliance on neighbors.
Holiday travel is a great time to reassess whether your current security system still meets your needs. A pre-travel security review allows homeowners to identify gaps, test equipment, and make updates before leaving town.
SSA offers residential security system inspections and upgrades for Pittsburgh homeowners, supported by licensed technicians and 24/7 monitoring. If you’re planning time away this holiday season, scheduling a review can help ensure your home remains secure while you’re gone.
To learn more about home security in Pittsburgh or to schedule a free home security review, contact SSA today.
