Labor Day home security: What to know before you go

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- As Labor Day weekend gets underway, many people are packing their bags and heading out of town - but before hitting the road, security experts say it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your home is protected.

With airports and highways expected to be busy over the holiday weekend, millions of Americans could be spending time away from home.

Security cameras and video doorbells have become one of the most common ways people keep an eye on their property.

A 2026 SafeHome.org survey of more than 2,400 U.S. adults found 61% of U.S. households have at least one security camera, up from 52% in 2024. About 48% have a video doorbell.

But having a camera doesn’t necessarily mean your home - or the camera itself- is completely secure.

The same survey found 37% of home security users worry about who could have access to their footage. Nearly half of alarm system users surveyed also said they installed their systems themselves.

Security recommendations can include making sure doors, windows and garage doors are locked, using lights or timers to make a home appear occupied, preventing mail and packages from piling up and avoiding publicly posting vacation plans while you’re away.

For people using cameras and other smart security devices, the story will also look at camera placement, passwords, account security and whether homeowners are actually recording the footage they expect to have available later.

Stay tuned on News Channel 3 for simple steps you can take before walking out the door this Labor Day weekend.