15 Tips to Safeguard Your Home While on Vacation
Going on vacation? The last thing you want to worry about is your home while you are away. Below are some precautionary measures you may want to take before you pack your bags and head out of town.
Burglars Beware!
- Set timers on interior and exterior lights. Make it appear as if someone is always home.
- “I only told my friends!” Be wise and refrain from broadcasting updates on social media. Burglars are waiting for just that sort of thing. Don’t let it happen to you!
- Alert your alarm company and let them know you’ll be away from home. Properly set the alarm before you leave. There are some ways of remote monitoring with your smartphone as well. But you probably already know that.
- Do not leave anything valuable out that can be seen from a window that may tempt a burglar.
- Lock all doors and windows. It might seem obvious, but double-check just to be sure.
- Arrange for lawn care by a trusted friend or local service. Before you leave, trim tree branches that might allow access to a climbing burglar.
- Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or have your trusted friend regularly picked them up. You don’t want to easily clue in a burglar by the mountain of newspapers on your doorstep.
- Collect any spare keys you hide around your home. Remember, burglars are tuned into the most common hiding place like beneath mats and in potted plants.
- Lock the garage even if no one can enter your house from the garage.
Property Protection
- In case of a power surge either disconnect the computer, TV, stereo and other electronics, or make sure they are safely plugged into a surge protector.
- To help prevent water damage from burst pipes, shut off the water main before you go. If you still want your trusted friend to hose the lawn or your automated sprinkler system to come on, consider shutting off the water supply to toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines at the very least.
- Set the programmable HVAC thermostat to lower your heat or air conditioning usage and remember to change the thermostat’s battery.
- Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces. In cold weather, set your thermostat at 55 degrees or above. Ask your trusted friend who is caring for your lawn and collecting your mail to also check on the house and periodically turn on the faucets to help ensure the pipes don’t freeze. It’s good to have friends you can trust.
- Clear your storm drains and ensure that your gutters are clear of debris to so rainwater can freely run.
- To help reduce the risk of electrical fires while you’re away, switch off and unplug any unnecessary electrical items, including TVs, radios, coffee makers, fans, and lamps. You should also close internal doors where possible to help slow the spread of smoke and fire should the worst happen.
Honey, did you remember to lock the doors?
Check, check and double check. You are now ready to go. Your long awaited vacation is at hand. Enjoy, relax and breathe! Water Extraction Experts cares about your safety and well-being. If you ever experience water damage, call us! We use the most advanced technology in water damage mitigation and mold remediation to quickly get your home and your life back to normal again. We are the experts that care!
Emergency 24/7 Water Damage Restoration
Call: 505-808-2080
Serving Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, East Mountain, and Surrounding Areas