Preparing for a vacation isn’t just about packing; it’s also about ensuring your home is secure. An unoccupied house can face risks like break-ins, leaks, or power failures. By taking a few preventative measures, you can safeguard your property while you’re away. A secure home brings peace of mind and lets you focus on enjoying your trip. Consider these steps to protect your house before you leave.
Make Sure All Doors and Windows Are Locked
In the rush to leave, it’s easy to forget a basement window or side door, but they’re crucial to check. Ensure that all entry points, including garage and pet doors, are securely locked. Adding a rod or security bar to sliding glass doors provides extra protection against intruders. Make locking up a priority in your vacation preparations. This simple habit keeps your home secure and lets you travel worry-free.
Take Advantage Of Home Automation
Secure your home with smart devices while you’re on vacation or away for an extended period. Install smart locks, video doorbells, and security cameras to monitor your property and deter intruders. These systems offer live video access and send you alerts if anything unusual is detected. Program your smart lights to operate on a random schedule, simulating the presence of people. This combination ensures your home remains safe and protected.
Invest In Advanced Home Security
Invest in a professionally installed home security system to deter burglars. Visible cameras, alarm signs, and security stickers will make your home less appealing to potential intruders. Modern systems come with 24/7 monitoring, emergency response, and compatibility with smart home devices. Be sure to arm your system before leaving for added peace of mind. This ensures that your home remains secure.
Don’t Announce Your Absence
It’s best to keep your vacation plans off social media to avoid alerting potential burglars. Posting updates during your trip can let intruders know your home is empty. Wait until you return to share photos or updates about your vacation. Be sure to have someone collect your mail and packages to avoid them piling up and signaling your absence.
Withhold Your Mail and Deliveries
Piles of mail or packages piling up outside your home can signal that you’re not there. Prevent this by arranging for the post office to hold your mail during your vacation. Consider using a secure parcel box or rescheduling deliveries. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor to help by collecting your mail and packages.
Give Your Home A Lived-In Look Of Comfort
To deter burglars, create the appearance that your home is occupied. Use timers on lights, radios, or TVs to mimic normal household activity. Keep your curtains or blinds in their usual position, as completely closed ones can signal your absence. Have a trusted neighbor park their car in your driveway occasionally to reinforce the illusion of occupancy.
Notify A Reliable Neighbor Or Friend About It
Before you leave, let a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member know about your trip and ask them to keep an eye on your property. They can look out for any unusual activity, collect your mail, and care for your plants. Be sure to provide them with a key and your emergency contact details in case they need to reach you or access your home.
Secure High-Value Items
Secure valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and electronics by keeping them in a home safe or safety deposit box. Avoid leaving them visible, especially near windows, to reduce the risk of attracting attention. Make sure your safe is both fireproof and bolted to the floor or wall to prevent theft.
Turn Off Electrical Devices
Unplug non-essential appliances, including toasters, TVs, and computers, to prevent damage from power surges and reduce the risk of fire. For critical systems like refrigerators, leave them plugged in and check that they are working properly.
Control The Temperature With Your Thermostat
Save energy while protecting your home by adjusting your thermostat to a reasonable setting. In winter, keep the heat on to prevent frozen pipes. In summer, set the temperature at a moderate level to avoid straining your HVAC system.
Close The Water Valve
Turn off the main water supply before leaving to protect your home from water damage caused by leaks or burst pipes. If that’s not an option, consider shutting off the water to appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Installing a water leak detector can help catch potential issues before they escalate.
Enhance Security Of Outdoor Areas
Keep your yard and exterior secure by storing 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 improve security.
Analyze Your Coverage Options
Confirm that your homeowner’s insurance policy covers theft, fire, and natural disasters before leaving. Keep a list of emergency contacts, such as your insurance provider, to make sure you’re ready to address any situations while you’re away.
Execute a Final Review
Before heading out, do a final walkthrough of your home to check that everything is secure. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, lights are set on timers, and appliances are turned off. Make a checklist to ensure nothing is left out.
Prepare ahead of time to eliminate stress and make sure your home is secure while you’re away. These tips will help minimize risks so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. Proper preparation now can save you from problems in the future. Stay safe and enjoy your travels!