After being cooped up at home for most of the last year, you and yours are probably chomping at the bit to take a much-needed vacation. That means it’s time to think of home protection while we hit the road.
While you are more than ready to hit the road and have a wonderful adventure, you are also realizing that you are a bit rusty when it comes to making sure your home is secure while you are away. This is understandable—after all, you have been working from home and the farthest you’ve gone is to the grocery store and pizza place for takeout so it’s not like you’ve had to think about leaving lights on or setting an alarm.
With this in mind, the following tips will help keep your home safe and secure while you are on your amazing vacation:
Invest in a Home Monitoring System
For some time, you have contemplated investing in some form of smart home monitoring system, but you have not figuratively pulled the trigger. Your upcoming vacay is the perfect reason to finally get a home monitoring system and the peace of mind it can provide. When it comes to home security companies, look for one that offers a number of home monitoring services and products to suit your needs, including a professionally monitored home security service that will keep tabs 24/7 on the various equipment you install. This includes smart locks, sensors, cameras and more.
Outside of the Home
In addition to installing security cameras and other monitoring equipment on the interior of your home, you will also want to tackle a number of safety-related chores that relate to its exterior. For example, stop the newspaper delivery and then visit USPS.com and have your mail held for the duration of your trip. This way you won’t have a full mailbox announcing that you are not around and piles of newspapers in the driveway.
In addition, mow your lawn prior to leaving and, if you tend to get a lot of pizza coupons and other flyers on your door, pay a neighborhood teen to walk by your home every day and remove them. If you have a spare key hidden outside, bring it back indoors and also put exterior lights on timers so your walkways and landscaping stay lit.
Inside the Home
Lighting and activity are a top home protection feature. You also want the interior of your home to look as occupied as possible. For example, set timers on a number of interior lights; this can really deter burglars who will probably choose a dark home over one that has several lights burning inside. Shut off the water too; this way, if a pipe should burst while you are away or your hot water heater goes on the fritz, not only will you avoid extensive water damage but water coming out from under the garage door will alert everyone you are not at home.
Also, while you are probably eagerly checking the weather at your destination, don’t forget to look at the weather forecast for your home town. If there is a storm on the way and you have a sump pump in the basement, check it to be sure it’s in good working order before you leave.
Bon Voyage!
It’s been a rough year and you definitely deserve a vacation. By paying attention to some key chores in the interior and exterior of your home you can head out for your adventure confident in the knowledge that your home is as secure as possible.
