Broadcasting an empty home
Law enforcement agencies report increased burglary during evacuations. Social media posts announcing that you are leaving, how long you will be gone, and that your home is empty are monitored by criminals who use this information to target properties.
Share safely, share late
Share your safety status privately with family and your out-of-area contact via text or direct message. If you post publicly, do so after you have reached safety, without specifying how long the home will be empty or detailing your home's contents or security (or lack thereof).
Disable location tagging on photos posted during and after an evacuation. A photo tagged at a shelter 200 miles away confirms your home is empty.
What not to share, ever
Avoid posting photos of keys, alarm codes, security camera blind spots, expensive new purchases, or travel schedules. These seem harmless individually but provide a complete target profile when combined.
- Do not post that you are evacuating or that your home is empty
- Share safety status privately via text or direct message
- If posting publicly, wait until after arrival and omit duration
- Disable location tagging on photos during evacuation
- Never post photos of keys, alarm codes, or security camera views
- Make a Plan — FEMA communication and privacy during emergencies.