With the holidays coming up and many people preparing for their much-needed, well-deserved vacations, ensuring that your home is safe while you’re away is also essential. After all, your break should be stress-free, and the assurance that your home is secure will allow you to make the most of your time off.
Luckily, there are a few simple steps that you can take to ensure that your home is as safe and secure as possible while you’re away on holiday. Here’s a look at the best ways to ensure home safety before going on vacation.
Secure Your Doors and Windows
The first step in keeping your home safe before leaving on vacation is to ensure all the doors and windows are securely locked. Doing so will make it much harder for intruders to access your home. That’s because many burglars don’t want to risk breaking glass or using tools to force their way into a home.
According to data from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, 34 percent of household break-ins occur through an unlocked door or window. To prevent this, be sure to check the locks on the entry doors and any other exterior doors or windows. If possible, invest in smart locks and use a security system to remotely lock and unlock doors while you’re away from home.
Especially if you live in an area with a higher crime rate, installing smart locks that are connected to your home security system can give you an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. This way, you can get notifications if someone attempts to access your home, and even remotely control the locks from afar. Thus, providing you with an extra layer of security no matter where you are.
Check the Garage for Repairs
Aside from the doors and windows, checking your garage for potential repairs is essential. In addition to regular maintenance, it’s best to inspect the door and surrounding area for any signs of wear and tear. This will help ensure that the door is secure, making it more difficult for intruders to gain entry into your home while you’re away.
Also, it’s essential to get professional garage door repair when necessary. This could include replacing worn springs and cables, lubricating the tracks, and tightening loose screws. An expert specializing in garage door repair knows the ins and outs of the system and can help you secure your home as best as possible.
So, don’t skimp on garage door repair and maintenance. Doing so can help you ensure the safety of your home before going away on vacation.
Set Lights On Timers
Another great way to keep your property safe is to make it look like it is occupied. You can do so by setting lights on timers that will automatically turn on and off throughout the day and night.
This strategy will give potential burglars the impression that someone is still at home even when you’re not there. Setting lights on timers can also help keep energy costs down since the lights won’t run for long periods if no one is at home. The best part is that these devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
You can find a variety of timer-operated light switches, lamps, and other lighting options to create a realistic “lived-in” look for your home. All you need to do is set the timer and enjoy your vacation, knowing your home looks occupied even when you’re away.
Check All Appliances
Before going out of town, ensure all appliances have been unplugged from outlets throughout the house. Not only does this help save energy costs, but it also prevents any potential fire hazards from occurring during your absence.
Additionally, check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house to ensure they are working correctly in case of an emergency while you’re away. Replace batteries if necessary and test the alarm to ensure everything is in working order.
Finally, check any appliances connected to the internet, such as security cameras and smart thermostats, to ensure they are working properly. If you have any questions on how to secure these devices, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Following these simple steps can help ensure your home is safe and secure while you’re away on vacation. It may seem like extra work initially, but having peace of mind knowing that your property is being watched over can really pay off in the end! So don’t forget about these tips before packing up for this holiday season, and enjoy your travels. With these tips, you can rest assured that your home will remain safe while you’re away.
