How to Secure Your Home Before Leaving on Vacation
Vacations are essential for recharging, but they can also be a source of stress. As a homeowner in Penticton, you want to make sure your home is safe while you’re away. Here are a few tips to help you ensure your home remains secure while you enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Light Timers and Surveillance SystemsInstalling motion-sensor lights or lights that are on timers around the exterior of your home is one of the best ways to deter potential intruders. If it appears that someone is home and actively using lights at random times throughout the day and night, then “bad guys” may think twice before attempting to break in. Additionally, installing wireless cameras or a security system that notifies a central station can give you peace of mind knowing that someone is informed about your property while you’re away. Many systems allow you to monitor activity from anywhere using an app with an internet connection. Doorbell cameras can be an easy first start towards a fully ‘visible’ front of the house.
Unplug Appliances and Electronics In addition to keeping your home safe from burglars, unplugging appliances and electronics can save on energy costs when no one is there to use them. Unplugging these items will also lessen the chance of an electrical fire if something malfunctions during your absence. This includes all electronic devices—even those that are not turned on—like televisions, computers, cell phone chargers, microwaves, stoves/ovens, coffee makers, etc.Secure Windows and Doors
Before leaving for vacation, thoroughly check windows and doors around your house to ensure they are securely locked. If you have time, consider investing in new locks or adding additional locks as added security measures. Also, double check that all garage doors are completely shut so intruders cannot gain access through them either. Finally, many insurance companies will expect you to ask sometime to keep an eye on your house while you’re gone, every few days.Turn Your Main Water Source Off
Planning for vacation should involve more than simply packing suitcases and making sure the dog’s cuddled up with someone reliable. One of the smartest precautions vacationers can take is to make sure their main water supply is shut off while they’re away. This step may seem like an unnecessary hassle, but it can notably reduce the risk of flooding, complicated home damage, or costly repairs in case of pipe ruptures or other unforeseen emergencies. Turning off the water where the city main pipe comes into your basement is a simple yet important task that could mean thousands of dollars in savings if something as simple as vacation preparation goes wrong.Have Your Mail and Packages Picked Up
Going on vacation can often be a time of rest and relaxation. However, it is important to remember that vacationers are prime targets for break-ins. An easy way to reduce your risk is to have someone collect your mail or newspaper. Burglars are far less likely to assume you are away, and avoid an attempted break-in. In Summary:- Penticton homeowners should take certain steps to ensure their home is secure while they are away on vacation.
- Installing motion-sensor lights, lights on timers, video doorbells, and wireless security cameras can deter potential intruders.
- Unplugging appliances and electronics before leaving for vacation can save energy costs, as well as lessen the chance of an electrical fire if something malfunctions during your absence.
- Secure windows and doors by checking them thoroughly before leaving; consider investing in new locks or adding additional locks for added security measures. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your house when you’re gone too.
- Turn off the main water source prior to departure, which could prevent flooding due to pipe ruptures or other unforeseen emergencies that may occur while you’re away from home.
- Have your mail picked up
Enjoy your vacation!
Taking some precautionary steps before heading out on vacation can help make sure that all of your important belongings remain secure until you come back home again! With these tips in mind, we hope Penticton homeowners enjoy their deserved vacation time worry-free.