Vacations are the perfect time to recharge, but ensuring your home is secure is a must. An empty house can invite burglars or suffer from unexpected problems like leaks or power outages. Simple preparations can minimize these risks and give you peace of mind. Knowing your home is safe allows you to fully enjoy your trip. Here are some helpful tips to prepare your home before your vacation.
Lock All Home Entrances
Rushing to leave for a trip can make it easy to forget about a basement window or side door. Take a few moments to thoroughly check all entry points, such as garage and pet doors. Reinforce sliding glass doors with a security bar or rod for added protection. Locking up should always come first in your vacation prep routine. This habit provides extra assurance that your home is secure.
Leverage Smart Home Gadgets
Ensure your home is safe while you’re away with smart home devices. Use smart locks, video doorbells, and cameras to keep an eye on your property and prevent unauthorized access. These devices allow for live video monitoring and send real-time alerts if anything unusual happens. You can program your smart lights to turn on and off randomly, simulating someone’s presence. This integration of technologies offers a higher level of protection for your home.
Protect Your Home With Surveillance Solutions
A professionally installed home security system is a smart investment to help prevent burglaries. Visible cameras, alarm signs, and security stickers can act as deterrents to potential intruders. Many modern systems come with 24/7 monitoring, emergency response capabilities, and integration with smart home devices. If you have a security system already installed, be sure to arm it before you leave. This additional step ensures your home stays protected while you’re away.
Don’t Post About Your Absence
Refrain from sharing vacation plans on social media while you’re away. Updates can signal to burglars that your home is empty. Save your photos and trip updates for after you return. Be sure to have someone take care of your mail and packages so they don’t accumulate and reveal your absence.
Freeze Your Mail and Deliveries
A full mailbox and unattended packages are easy giveaways that no one is home. Have the post office hold your mail while you’re on vacation to avoid this. For deliveries, you can opt to reschedule or use a secure parcel box. Asking a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and packages is another great solution.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In But Tidy
To prevent burglars from targeting your home, create the appearance of occupancy. Set timers to control lights, radios, or TVs, making it seem like normal activity is happening. Avoid fully closing curtains or blinds, as this can signal that no one is home. If you can, ask a neighbor to occasionally park their car in your driveway to make your home appear occupied.
Inform A Neighbor Or Friend For Extra Safety
Inform a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member about your trip and ask them to watch over your property. They can keep an eye on suspicious activity, collect your mail, and care for your plants. Be sure to provide them with a key and emergency contact information in case they need to contact you or access your home.
Protect Your Treasured Assets
Store valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and electronics in a home safe or safety deposit box to ensure they are protected. Avoid leaving them visible, especially near windows, to minimize the risk of attracting burglars. Be sure that your safe is fireproof and bolted to the floor or wall for maximum security.
Disconnect From Electrical Supply
Unplug non-essential items like toasters, TVs, and computers to reduce fire risks and prevent power surge damage. Keep critical appliances like refrigerators plugged in and verify they are functioning as they should.
Reset Your Home’s Thermostat
Adjust your thermostat to help conserve energy while keeping your home safe. In winter, make sure the heat is on to avoid frozen pipes. In the summer, set a moderate temperature to reduce the workload on your HVAC system.
Disconnect Water Line
To prevent water damage from leaks or burst pipes, make sure to turn off the main water supply before leaving. If that’s not possible, shut off water to appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Installing a water leak detector can help you identify issues before they become serious.
Protect Exterior Zones
Don’t forget to protect your yard and exterior areas. Store outdoor furniture, tools, and equipment in a secure place to prevent theft. Trim any overgrown bushes or trees that could conceal burglars. Ensure gates and fences are locked, and consider adding motion-activated lights for additional security.
Reevaluate Insurance Policies
Before leaving, make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers theft, fire, or natural disasters. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your insurance provider, so you can quickly reach out if something happens while you’re away.
Execute the Final Walkthrough
Before leaving, perform a final walkthrough to ensure everything is secured. Check that all doors and windows are locked, lights are set on timers, and appliances are turned off. Use a checklist to make sure nothing is forgotten.
Prepare in advance for your vacation to eliminate stress and ensure your home is secure. By following these tips, you can minimize risks and fully enjoy your trip. Proper preparation now can save you from future complications. Stay safe and enjoy your travels!