Vacation planning should include making sure your home is safe while you’re away. Empty houses can be targets for burglars or vulnerable to accidents like water leaks or power failures. Properly securing your home reduces these risks and provides peace of mind. Knowing your house is protected allows you to relax and enjoy your trip. Follow these steps to ensure your home is ready for your time away.
Lock All External Doors and Windows
It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget a basement window or side door when you’re in a hurry to leave. Take a moment to double-check all entry points, including garage doors and pet doors. For sliding glass doors, adding a security bar or rod can enhance their protection. Making sure everything is locked should be a top priority in your vacation preparations. This simple step can provide significant peace of mind.
Make Use Of Smart Home Devices
Make use of smart home technology to enhance your home’s security while traveling. Equip your home with smart locks, video doorbells, and cameras to monitor activity in real-time. Many systems offer motion alerts and live video streaming directly to your smartphone. Smart lights can create the illusion of occupancy by turning on and off at various intervals. This technology ensures your home is well-protected during your absence.
Set Up Home Security To Protect Your Family
A professionally installed home security system is one of the best ways to protect your home from burglaries. Features like visible cameras, alarm signs, and security stickers can discourage intruders from targeting your property. Modern systems offer continuous monitoring, emergency response, and integration with smart home devices. Arm your system before leaving to ensure maximum protection. This ensures your home stays secure when you’re not around.
Don’t Share That You’re Away
Keep your vacation plans off social media while you’re away. Posting updates can signal to burglars that your home is unoccupied. Save your vacation photos for when you return home. Be mindful to prevent mail or packages from piling up, as they can be clear indicators of your absence.
Keep Mail and Deliveries On Hold
If your mail and packages are left unattended, it can be an obvious sign of an empty home. To avoid this, have the post office hold your mail during your vacation. You can also reschedule your deliveries or use a secure parcel box. Alternatively, ask a neighbor to collect your mail and packages for you while you’re away.
Make Your Home Feel Comfortable And Lived-In
Deter burglars by making your home appear occupied. Use timers to control lights, radios, or TVs to simulate normal activity. Avoid fully closing your curtains or blinds, as this can be a telltale sign that you’re away. If you can, have a neighbor park their car in your driveway to help create the illusion of someone being home.
Notify A Neighbor Or Friend You Can Count On
Let a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member know about your trip and ask them to monitor your home while you’re away. They can look for any unusual activity, collect your mail, and take care of your plants. Make sure to provide them with a key and emergency contact information in case they need to access your home or contact you.
Store Precious Belongings Safely
For added security, store valuable items such as jewelry, important documents, and electronics in a home safe or safety deposit box. Keep these items out of sight, especially from windows, to reduce the risk of attracting burglars. Ensure your safe is fireproof and bolted securely to the floor or wall to protect against theft.
Detach Home Electronics
Unplug non-essential electronics such as toasters, TVs, and computers to prevent damage from power surges and reduce fire risks. However, make sure to leave critical systems like refrigerators plugged in and functioning properly.
Reconfigure Your Thermostat
For energy savings and home protection, set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature. In winter, keep the heat on to avoid frozen pipes. In summer, set the temperature moderately to prevent overworking your HVAC system.
Turn Off Water Meter
To protect your home from water damage, turn off the main water supply before leaving to prevent leaks or burst pipes. If turning off the main supply isn’t possible, consider shutting off water to appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Installing a water leak detector can help catch any issues early.
Ensure Protection Of Outdoor Areas
For a secure yard and exterior, store outdoor furniture, tools, and equipment in a safe location to prevent theft. Trim bushes and trees that could conceal burglars. Lock gates and fences, and install motion-activated lights to boost security.
Study Your Insurance Plans
Check that your homeowner’s insurance covers theft, fire, and natural disasters before you leave. Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your insurance provider, to ensure you’re ready for any unexpected situations while you’re gone.
Perform a Property Inspection Before Closing
Before leaving, conduct a final walkthrough of your home to make sure everything is in place. Lock all doors and windows, set lights on timers, and turn off appliances. Use a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
Secure your home and reduce stress by preparing thoroughly before your vacation. With these tips, you can minimize risks and focus on enjoying your trip. Proper preparation now can prevent issues later. Stay safe and have a great time!