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When we go on vacation, we want to switch off fully from the stresses and strains of everyday life and enjoy our time away. We don’t want to be fretting about how secure our home is. Planning ahead and putting a few simple safety features in place will help you enjoy your holiday and protect your home.
Disguise The Fact You’re Away
Your home is more at risk when you’re on vacation for obvious reasons. It makes it easier for burglars to enter unhindered. So don’t leave signs that you’re away. The most obvious sign is mail building up behind the door or sticking out of the mailbox. Provide someone you trust with a key so they can remove post for you. Or set up a Hold Mail service. Your post will be held at your local Post Office until you get back. And don’t forget to cancel the newspapers while you’re away.
Make It Look Like Someone’s Home
Make is appear as though someone is home. If you don’t want to burden a friend with coming in twice a day to turn lights on and off, invest in some timer switches. You can then schedule lights to come on in your home and go off again at specific times. Leaving your car outside or in the driveway is also a good tip.
Protecting Against Bursts And Leaks
When you’re away enjoying a hotter climate, it’s easy to forget that the weather may not be as favorable at home. If there’s any chance the temperature could plummet, make sure your pipes are protected with pipe heat tape. This will maintain a steady temperature to prevent them from freezing.
Other simple tricks such as keeping attic hatches and under the sink cupboards open. This allows the warm air to circulate. Don’t switch off the thermostat; keep this on a timer to ensure your home is adequately heated. If possible, turn off the water supply to outside taps.
Switch Off Electricity
Before you leave, go around the house room by room and switch off all electrical appliances at the socket. The fridge and freezer are the only exceptions. Switching off electrical objects will reduce the risk of fire while you’re away. It will also save you some money on electricity.
Security Measures
Protect your home by ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked. Don’t forget garages and outhouses. And don’t leave keys within easy reach. There’s no point in securing your home if keys are left on the window sill. A burglar alarm will not only alert your neighbors in the event of a break in, but it will also act as a deterrent. Make sure you leave the code with a trusted neighbor or friend in case of loss of power. If you have the budget, CCTV cameras will provide an added level of security.
Avoid Alerting Social Media Followers
Don’t let the world know that you’re away by documenting your vacation on social media. It’s tempting to upload pics of your luxury accommodation or the stunning sunset but wait until you’re home. Latergrams are just as effective and won’t place your home and possessions at risk.
All it takes is a few simple steps to secure your possessions and provide you with peace of mind. Make sure your vacation memories are about your trip and not about a break in.
