July 11, 2019
Vacation is a time to relax and forget about everyday stress. Don’t let the safety of your home stress you out while you are away! Here’s how you can protect your home while you’re on vacation:
Ask a neighbor to stop by your house throughout your vacation to check-in, pick up the mail and park in your driveway. Have you thought about installing smart devices in your home? With smart lighting, you can set different times for the lights to turn on in your home throughout the week through your smartphone. Also, if you have smart cameras installed on the perimeter of your home, you can check-in while your away.
Also, you may be tempted to close your curtains while you’re away. Think again! Keep your curtains exactly how you left them. Your neighbors could alert the police if they see any criminal activity occurring.
Don’t come back from vacation to rotting food in the fridge. Remember to clean out any perishables! If you plan on taking a trip during the summer months, set your thermostat approximately four degrees above the temperature you normally keep your home. If you plan on taking a trip during the winter months, ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the pipes in your home so they do not freeze and keep your heat between 55-60 degrees. You don’t want to come home to a flooded basement!
Don’t forget to unplug your television, computer and other appliances before you leave to prevent power surges and save power. If you are not planning to have friends or neighbors check in on your home, be sure you set your burglar alarm.
Do you have a hidden key in your yard or on your patio? Hide it or give it to a neighbor. If a thief has been assessing your home and schedule, he or she will look for a key. Additionally, lock up any valuables you may have around your home in a small safe. If you don’t have a safe, place the items somewhere inconspicuous, such as a kitchen pantry or a small container.
Finally, keep a low profile on social media. While you may be tempted to share every beach and landscape photo you’ve taken, resist until you get home safely. You don’t want to let potential criminals know you are away from home for an extended period of time.
This summary is for general informational use only and may not include all relevant information.
Share
