As you plan your vacation, don’t forget to think about your home’s safety. An unattended house may attract burglars or face problems like plumbing or electrical failures. Preparing your home properly reduces these risks and ensures peace of mind. Feeling confident about your home’s security allows you to enjoy your travels to the fullest. Follow these steps to safeguard your property before leaving.
Secure All Home Access Points
As you get ready for vacation, don’t overlook basement windows or side doors—they’re easy to forget in the excitement. Make sure all entry points, including garage and pet doors, are secure. For sliding glass doors, a security bar or rod can be a helpful addition. Begin your trip preparations by locking up your home thoroughly. This small effort can go a long way in keeping your property safe.
Leverage Smart Home Solutions
With smart home devices, you can easily protect your home while you’re not there. Use smart locks, video doorbells, and security cameras to monitor your property and prevent break-ins. These systems allow you to view live footage and receive alerts on your phone if something unusual occurs. You can also schedule your smart lights to turn on and off at random times to create the illusion that someone is home. This combination of features guarantees that your home stays secure while you’re away.
Invest In Home Protection
To protect your home from burglaries, consider investing in a professionally installed security system. Features like visible cameras, alarm signs, and security stickers act as deterrents to potential intruders. Modern systems often offer 24/7 monitoring, emergency response capabilities, and integration with smart home devices. Be sure to arm your system before you leave to ensure your home stays safe. This extra measure helps provide peace of mind while you’re away.
Don’t Broadcast That You’re Away From Home
To protect your home, avoid sharing vacation plans on social media while you’re away. Posting updates can alert burglars that your house is vacant. Save photos and trip details for after you return. Also, ensure your mail and packages are taken care of to avoid signaling your absence.
Delay Receiving Mail and Deliveries
Uncollected mail and packages piling up outside are clear indicators of an empty home. To avoid this, arrange for the post office to hold your mail while you’re on vacation. For deliveries, use a secure parcel box or reschedule them. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and packages during your absence.
Create A Lived-In Feel In Your Home
To reduce the risk of burglary, make your home look like it’s occupied. Set timers on lights, radios, or TVs to simulate normal activity. Keep curtains or blinds in their usual position instead of closing them fully, which can seem suspicious. If you can, have a neighbor occasionally park their car in your driveway to reinforce the illusion.
Let A Trusted Neighbor Or Friend Be Informed
Let a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member know about your trip and ask them to watch over your property. They can keep an eye on any unusual activity, collect your mail, and water your plants. Ensure you provide them with a key and emergency contact information in case they need to access your home or reach you during your absence.
Secure Your Belongings
Keep your valuables like jewelry, electronics, and important documents in a safe or a safety deposit box. Avoid displaying valuable items near windows where they could be seen by potential burglars. If you opt for a safe, make sure it’s fireproof and securely bolted to the floor or wall to prevent theft.
Unhook Electronics
Reduce fire hazards and protect electronics from power surge damage by unplugging non-essential items such as toasters, TVs, and computers. Keep critical systems like refrigerators plugged in and ensure they are working correctly.
Set Your Thermostat
To save energy and protect your home, adjust your thermostat to a reasonable setting. In winter, ensure the heat is running to prevent frozen pipes. In summer, keep the temperature at a moderate level to avoid overworking your HVAC system.
Disconnect Water Supply
To avoid water damage, turn off the main water supply before leaving to prevent leaks or burst pipes. If that’s not an option, consider shutting off the water to appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. You can also install a water leak detector for added protection.
Secure Exterior Areas
To protect your yard and exterior, store outdoor furniture, tools, and equipment in a secure location to prevent theft. Trim overgrown bushes and trees that could hide burglars. Lock gates and fences, and consider installing motion-activated lights to enhance your home’s security.
Evaluate Insurance Policies
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for theft, fire, or natural disasters before you leave. Make sure you have a list of emergency contacts, including your insurance provider, in case something happens while you’re away.
Complete the Final Walkthrough Check
Do a final walkthrough of your home before leaving to ensure everything is in order. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, set lights on timers, and turn off appliances. Make a checklist to avoid missing anything.
Get rid of unnecessary stress and keep your home secure by preparing properly before your vacation. These tips will help you minimize risks so you can focus on having fun. A little effort before you leave can prevent headaches in the future. Stay safe and enjoy your time away!