Getting out of the bustle of city life is definitely a step that many Americans decide on taking, especially after years of the office life.
And while escaping the cubicle--or never being in one to begin with--is a truly refreshing approach to life, not all of the problems of the city stop once concrete jungles make way for flatlands and deserts.
After all, those living in rural locations are less likely to experience break-ins simply due to the law of averages, but this doesn't mean that robberies never occur.
And in environments where doors are left open and keys remain in the ignition, sometimes it's even more important to think about home security ahead of time, rather than returning home and finding that not just a couple of belongings, but rather everything, has gone missing.
The first step towards taking care of a household that might be further out of town is realizing that when people do plan robberies for rural homes, they are often far more elaborate than those designed for urban areas.
There are countless stories about moving trucks or painting vans pulling up to country homes, the neighbors thinking nothing of it, and the homeowners returning to find that everything is missing.
Situations like these can make country living feel completely different, and figuring out better ways to avoid them is a crucial part about being content and feeling safe.
Naturally, it is essential for home security to actually know one's neighbors, even if they happen to live a ways down the road.
Having someone who knows you're going out of town and that no one should be spending time in your home is an important part of feeling a little bit safer.
Also, neighbors are often closer than the local law enforcement department, and can give a call to dispatchers to get help sent faster.
So get to know them, and feel a bit safer.
At the same time, it's also important to invest in the types of extra help that will keep robbers from sticking around.
And while keeping doors and windows locked and shut is crucial for dissuading those who might not be planning something elaborate, having a stable and turned-on home security system is absolutely essential for all homes out in the country.
This way, if someone does try to break in, they will be met with a reminder that the world isn't that far away, and not stick around to grab everything.
Those worried about robbers who are able to disarm alarms might want to consider the next-level technological steps forward that have happened recently, which include wireless home alarm systems.
Sometimes, that feels a lot safer than sticking with older technology.
Of course, simple steps around the house are also a great way to instantly increase safety while living a bit further off the beaten path.
One major step forward is learning that leaving keys in the ignition, whether it's a car or piece of farm equipment, is absolutely crucial.
What it says about having keys dangling overnight--that there's nothing to worry about--is completely negated the minute that someone actually does make off with the equipment in question.
So feel safe and avoid the obvious temptation of keys in the ignition by simply moving them inside.
It takes only seconds, but increases security considerably.