As you plan your vacation, make sure to include home safety in your preparations. A vacant home is more susceptible to break-ins or issues like electrical failures or leaks. Taking the time to secure your house prevents these risks and lets you focus on relaxing. Peace of mind comes from knowing your home is well-protected. Follow these simple steps to safeguard your property before heading out.
Double-Lock All Doors and Windows
As you get ready to leave, remember to double-check basement windows and side doors—they’re easy to forget. Secure all entry points, including garage and pet doors, to prevent any vulnerabilities. Reinforce sliding glass doors with a rod or security bar to deter intruders. Locking up should always be the first step in your vacation routine. This precaution keeps your home safe and your worries at bay.
Adopt Smart Home Technology
With smart home devices, securing your home while you’re away has never been easier. Use smart locks, video doorbells, and cameras to keep an eye on your property remotely and discourage intruders. These systems provide live video feeds and instant alerts if anything suspicious is detected. Program your smart lights to turn on and off at random times to simulate your presence. This combination of technologies offers a robust security system for your home.
Secure Your Home With A Security System
To prevent burglaries, invest in a professionally installed home security system. Visible cameras, alarm signs, and security stickers act as deterrents to potential intruders. Many modern systems provide 24/7 monitoring, emergency response features, and smart home device integration. Be sure to arm your system before leaving for added security. This simple step guarantees that your home remains secure.
Avoid Broadcasting Your Time Away
To protect your home, don’t share vacation details on social media while you’re away. Updates can alert burglars that your home is unoccupied. Save your vacation updates and photos for after you return. Make sure someone is collecting your mail and packages to avoid any signs of absence.
Halt Deliveries and Mail
Uncollected mail and packages outside your house can be a giveaway that your home is empty. To avoid this, arrange to have the post office hold your mail while you’re away. For deliveries, consider using a secure parcel box or rescheduling them. Alternatively, ask a reliable neighbor to collect your mail and packages while you’re gone.
Make Your Home Seem Lived-In
Burglars are less likely to target an occupied home. Use timers to control lights, radios, or TVs to make it seem like someone is home. Keep curtains or blinds in their regular position, as fully closed blinds can look unusual. If possible, ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway to enhance the appearance of occupancy.
Inform A Neighbor Or Friend For Peace Of Mind
Inform a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member of your trip so they can help monitor your property. They can keep watch for unusual activity, collect your mail, or water your plants. Be sure to give them a key and emergency contact information for easy access or in case of an urgent need to contact you.
Protect Your Valuables
Store valuable items such as jewelry, important documents, and electronics in a home safe or a safety deposit box to keep them secure. Avoid leaving valuables visible through windows to prevent attracting unwanted attention. If using a safe, make sure it is both fireproof and bolted to the floor or wall to help prevent theft.
Turn Off Electronics
Reduce the risk of fire and protect electronics from power surges by unplugging non-essential items like toasters, TVs, and computers. Keep critical systems, such as refrigerators, plugged in and check that they are working correctly.
Alter Your Thermostat
To reduce energy consumption and protect your home, set your thermostat to an optimal temperature. In winter, ensure your heat is on to avoid frozen pipes. In the summer, keep the temperature moderate to avoid straining your HVAC system.
Close Water Supply Valve
To avoid water damage from leaks or burst pipes, turn off the main water supply before leaving. If you can’t turn off the main supply, consider shutting off the water to appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Installing a water leak detector can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Fortify Outdoor Areas
To ensure a secure yard and exterior, store outdoor furniture, tools, and equipment in a safe location to avoid theft. Trim bushes and trees that could conceal burglars. Make sure gates and fences are locked, and add motion-activated lights for extra security.
Analyze Insurance Policies
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy before you leave to ensure you’re covered for potential risks like theft, fire, or natural disasters. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your insurance provider, to have on hand in case something occurs while you’re away.
Conduct the Walkthrough Before Closing
Do a final walkthrough of your home before leaving to ensure everything is in place. Lock all doors and windows, set lights on timers, and turn off appliances. Make a checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Before your vacation, take the time to prepare and ensure your home stays secure. With these tips, you can minimize risks and focus on enjoying your trip. Proper preparation now can save you from issues later. Stay safe and have an enjoyable trip!