After a fun-filled vacation at the beach, on the slopes or visiting relatives, the last thing families want to do is come home to a ransacked, burglarized house. According to the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, each year nearly 5 million families become victims of household burglary, often when they’ve been on vacation.

“There are simple, lo-tech things that homeowners should do to protect their home while on vacation – from stopping their newspaper delivery to keeping lights on,” says Jim Johnson, CEO of uControl, an advanced home security service. “But for homeowners who want greater assurances and protection, there are some hi-tech, yet very affordable, products that provide better security and more control for homeowners.”

Johnson says homeowners should consider installing an advanced home security system that provides redundant, back-up connections for always-on monitoring of their home security system. New security systems don’t rely on a phone line for connectivity, but instead use broadband and cellular connections. New alarm services not only monitor your home, but they also monitor the connection from your home to the alarm monitoring center, alerting homeowners when a telephone line is cut or the broadband connection goes down.

Advanced home security systems with redundant connections are particularly important for homeowners who have switched to VoIP and no longer have a telephone line, the traditional connection for most alarm systems. JupiterResearch estimates there will be 22.5 million VoIP users by 2010.

“Homeowners whose alarm systems operate over broadband and cellular connections can switch to VoIP without interrupting their home security protection,” says Johnson. “This is a significant consideration given the increasing number of consumers switching to VoIP services.”

Remote access and control features are also important because this allows homeowners to monitor their home’s security anytime, anywhere.

“Homeowners can check their home’s security from any computer or Web-based cell phone,” Johnson says. “They can also receive emails or text messages for any alarm events that occur.”

Advanced home security systems with remote access also provide convenience and flexibility for homeowners. For example, a homeowner can give neighbors a code to disarm the system, allowing them to enter the house and feed the pets. The homeowner can receive alerts when the neighbor enters and leave the house. And if the neighbor forgets to set the alarm, the homeowner can arm the system remotely.

“Remote control of your alarm system is easy, convenient and gives homeowners greater assurances and more peace of mind,” says Johnson.

Austin-based home security company uControl, a member of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, shares 10 “lo-tech” and “hi-tech” security tips to protect homes while traveling:

Lo-Tech:
1.Discontinue newspaper and mail delivery.
2.Lock all doors, windows and garage doors.
3.Leave drapes and shades open as normal (closed blinds give burglars privacy should they break in).
4.Have your yard mowed and your trees and hedges trimmed – removing hiding places for burglars.

Hi-Tech:
5.Install motion-sensor lights in your yard so lights come on when someone walks by.
6.Install an alarm system – but not just any alarm system. Today’s newer alarm services offer better security and more features and services, usually for the same (or lower) monthly fee.
7.Select a home security provider that offers redundant, back-up connections for your alarm system. Burglars know that all they have to do is cut the telephone line to disable most alarm systems. Newer security systems operate over broadband and cellular connections so your system is always monitored – whether a phone line is cut or your power goes off.
8.Make sure your home security is monitored 24/7 by licensed monitoring centers.
9.Select a security provider that provides remote access so you can check on your home anytime, anywhere. Many newer systems allow you to check on your home’s alarm status from a computer or cell phone.
10.Set up your alarm system so you (and selected family members or neighbors) receive text messages or emails when the alarm goes off.

uControl provides advanced home security services for U.S. homeowners. Visit ucontrol.com or call 1-888-357-4214 to learn how uControl can replace your outdated service.