Vacations are always filled with pomp as we look forward to quality time. As things return to normal, you might be dying to go for a vacation to relieve the stress of this pandemic.
However, according to Forbes, planning for holidays requires putting in place safety measures to protect your house. Fortunately, you can worry less about your home’s safety when on vacation by following this safety checklist.
Confiscate Spare Keys
Confiscate any spare key you might have stashed within your compound, and go with it to your vacation. An exposed spare key can grant unauthorized visitors access to your house. Furthermore, thieves can quickly figure out spots underneath the doormats where you are likely to hide your keys.
If necessary, only give the key to trustworthy and reliable people. By doing so, they can access your home in case of an emergency while you are away. Alternatively, add smart locks for more effortless mobile opening and closing of the door.
Halt Deliveries and Do Not Post On Social Media
An overflowing mailbox attracts thieves who steal your mails and might also break into your house. You can prevent theft of your mails by informing the postman before your vacation and informing them upon returning home. Alternatively, you can request your neighbors or kin to be picking the mails for you when on vacation.
Avoid posting those beautiful vacation photos of you standing on white sandy beaches no matter the temptation. Thieves might be lurking on your social media, and these photos might be a sign that you are not at home. Instead, post these photos after the vacay.
Lock All Access Points and Keep Your Valuables Safe
Ensure you close access points to your houses, such as doors and windows. Locking effectively bars intruders from your home. Cross-check your checklist to ensure that you have locked all entry points. Thieves break into doors, windows, and garages with so much ease, so you should secure them.
All precautions mentioned here effectively keep your home safe. However, these measures are not foolproof. Close your curtains and blinds well to avoid exposing valuables. Also, before going on a vacation, ensure that you keep all your jewelry and treasures in a lockbox.
Install Monitored Security System
Monitored security systems offer protection for your home even when you are not around. You might consider upgrading your security systems before going for a holiday. You can upgrade the security system by setting up additional sensors and exterior cameras to prevent theft.
You can find a security camera system store that has outdoor surveillance cameras that monitor your property and inform you of any suspicious events in your home. Identify areas not covered by an intelligent system and choose a backup device to watch your home if your smartphone fails.
Set Your Electronics on a Timer
When on vacation, it is essential to create the impression that your home still has an occupant. You can make this impression by setting the time your lights and television will turn on and off. You require to put the timers in sockets, plug in your appliances, and time the periods when your devices will turn on and off.
If you go for a more extended period, request your neighbors to draw and close the blinds for you. Alternatively, you can buy smart LED bulbs that are turned on and off via the phone. These bulbs also have the vacation mode that turns on and off, depicting your lighting schedule.
Park Your Car at Home and Turn Off Your GPS
Leave your car at home if you have other means of commutation during your vacation. If you plan to drive to your holiday destination, make arrangements with your neighbor for them to park their cars in your driveway.
Parking in your driveway signifies that you are at home. However, your GPS in the vehicle may give away your location to thieves. Therefore, to avoid thieves breaking into your car or even your house, ensure you turn off your GPS.
Adjust Your Thermostat and Manage Flooding
Consider adjusting your thermostat depending on the season to cut on electric bills and minimize the chances of pipe bursts. You can make adjustments with an intelligent thermostat during your holiday. Also, remember to close your water inlets to prevent your house from flooding.
Conclusion
To enjoy your vacation, ensure that you set safety measures to protect your home. You might opt to seek your neighbor’s help or install security cameras to prevent your home from break-ins. Consider writing down the checklist to enhance your memory; thus, ensure you follow through with everything.