Vacation is a much desired, often overlooked time to enjoy. Homeowners in the US also know that it poses a challenge to keep your home safety up to par. Over 1.6 billion leisure trips and 405 million business-related trips take homeowners away from their properties each year. This means that without the proper precautions in place, the chances of something going wrong is very high.
The last thing you want to worry about on an airplane is home safety. So what can you do to prevent these catastrophes from occurring to your home? Below we examine some of the key things you can do to ensure that your home remains protected.
Create a Checklist
- Close and lock all windows and doors
- Set lighting and your home security system
- Remove any objects that could allow a break in (ladders, trashcans, etc.)
- Notify neighbors that you will be leaving
- Stop delivery of packages
- Remove any keys hidden around the property
Checklists are helpful for any planning, but come in handy especially when getting ready to be away from your home for any length of time. Think of it as an amped up version of your normal routine before you leave in the morning. Create your checklist before leaving to remember things like:
Notify Your Security Company You Will Be Away
This should also be on your checklist before you leave. It’s an important step and isn’t something that most people consider before traveling. This is an especially important home safety tip if you are going on an extended trip. Of course, always make sure that the alarm is set properly before you leave. Or you can always benefit from the convenience of an automated system that you can control from anywhere you have an internet connection.
Stay on Top of Security from Afar
Just because you aren’t in town, doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice home safety. With automated, smart security solutions, users can access their system with their smart phone, tablet, or computer. This enables you to do things such as log on and view your video surveillance feed in real time, receive doorbell and entry alerts, monitor energy usage, and even set specific pins for visitors.
Don’t Tip Off Criminals
Did you know that many burglaries happen by people you may know? This unfortunate statistic means that you could be vulnerable depending on who you talk to about your time away. This means even thinking ahead to that Uber you take to the airport. Take precautions by not sharing any details of your travel during the ride like where you are going and how long you will be gone.
It’s also important to share wisely on whereabouts on social media or email. It’s safe to post pictures when you come back, but try to avoid doing so during your time away to prevent large amounts of people from knowing you aren’t at home. Also avoid sharing that you are on your way to the airport or other indicators that you won’t be at home.
Home Automation
As mentioned above, you can travel stress-free with home automation options on the market. Every part of your home’s safety functions at your fingertips with automated lighting, video surveillance, and thermostats. Such automation features can keep your home running smoothly and can also help deter any suspicious activity.
And if you travel during summer or winter, your automatic thermostat can heat or cool your home to void things like burst pipes or overheating. It can help save on your energy bill while you’re away too. Keeping an eye on local weather and setting your thermostat accordingly keeps your home comfortable no matter where you are.
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