Going on Vacation? 5 Must-Dos When Leaving an Empty House
Vacations are a time to relax and unwind, but they can also be a source of stress if you're worried about leaving your home empty. Whether you're going away for a weekend or a month, it's important to take steps to secure your home and protect it from burglars and other intruders. Here are five must-dos to help keep your home safe while you're away:
- Lock all doors and windows
This may seem like an obvious step, but it's one that many homeowners overlook. Before you leave, make sure that all doors and windows are locked and that any sliding glass doors have a security bar in place. Consider installing deadbolts on all exterior doors for added security.
- Stop mail and newspaper deliveries
An overflowing mailbox or pile of newspapers on your doorstep can be a dead giveaway that you're not home. To avoid this, stop mail and newspaper deliveries for the duration of your trip. You can also ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers for you.
- Set timers for lights and electronics
An empty house that's dark and silent at all hours can be a red flag for burglars. To make it look like someone is home, set timers for lights and electronics, such as a television or radio. This will create the illusion of activity and deter burglars.
- Install a home security system
A home security system can provide an extra layer of protection for your home while you're away. Consider investing in a system that includes cameras, motion sensors, and a loud alarm. This way, if an intruder does break in, you'll be immediately notified and the alarm will sound, scaring the burglar away.
- Let a trusted neighbor know you'll be away
It's always a good idea to let a trusted neighbor know that you'll be away and for how long. This way, they can keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. It's also helpful to provide them with a key or code to your home in case of emergency.
By following these simple steps, you can rest easy knowing that your home is secure while you're away on vacation. Remember, the more secure your home is, the less likely it is to be targeted by burglars. So take the time to lock up and set timers, install a security system, and let a trusted neighbor know you'll be away. Enjoy your vacation knowing your home is safe and secure.
- Consider installing a smart home system
A smart home system allows you to control various aspects of your home remotely, including lighting, temperature, and security. With a smart home system, you can check on your home from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet. You can also set rules and automation to make it look like someone is home, such as turning lights on and off at specific times.
- Don't post your vacation plans on social media
It's tempting to share your vacation plans on social media, but it's important to remember that this information can be seen by anyone, including potential burglars. To avoid alerting burglars to your absence, hold off on posting about your vacation until you return.
- Disconnect all appliances
Before you leave, make sure to disconnect all appliances that could cause a fire such as ovens, toasters, and irons. Also, unplug chargers, laptops and other devices that consume energy while they are not in use. Not only will this help protect your home from fire, but it will also save you money on your energy bill.
- Give your home a lived-in look
When leaving your home for an extended period of time, it can be a good idea to give your home a lived-in look. This can be done by leaving cars in the driveway, leaving blinds or curtains open and even arranging for someone to mow your lawn. This way, it will appear that someone is home and deter potential burglars.
- Make sure your home insurance is up to date
Before you leave for vacation, make sure that your home insurance is up to date and that you have adequate coverage. In the event that something does happen to your home, you want to make sure that you're fully covered.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your home is secure while you're away on vacation. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so take the time to properly secure your home before leaving. With a little bit of preparation, you can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing that your home is safe and secure.
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