Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

It’s summer time again, and time for vacation.

Everyone loves a vacation, but we also want to find things the way we left them when we return home

Home security is an important part of any trip plan, whether you’re preparing for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation. Besides protecting against burglary, it’s smart to be proactive about mechanical problems, which can easily develop in a house left vacant and cause major damage that might not be discovered until you return.

To make sure your home security is up to par and you can truly enjoy your trip, run through the following home security and vacant home checklist well before you pack:

• Shut the main water valve – if you’ll be away for a longer period of time (more than 3 days), it’s smart to shut down your home’s water supply. Locate and turn off the main water valve, which is usually found on the front, street facing side of a home’s lower level. If your landscape irrigation comes from the same line, arrange for a bypass valve to be installed so watering can continue as usual.
• Drain toilets – as step two of the water shutdown plan, drain all toilets and tanks by
  holding down the flush lever until the water is gone.
• Turn the water heater off – if your water heater is electric, turn off the large breaker

  assigned to it at the main electrical panel. For gas water heaters, turn the valve to the pilot position or turn it off completely, but only if you know how to relight it and will be away for an extended period of time.

• Disconnect appliances – unplug all appliances, large and small.
• Lower the A/C. If you’ll be away for a weekend, set your air conditioner to 80 degrees to lower air conditioning costs if you’ll be gone longer, shut it down entirely.
• Lights on timers – improve home security by putting lights in main living areas on timers and setting them to simulate occupancy.
• Don’t broadcast your absence – a burglar can easily be tipped off to your absence by an unanswered phone, so turn off the ringer and keep your everyday answering message in play. And never, ever leave a message or post on a Facebook or Twitter page saying, “I’m away on vacation.”
• Adjust blinds – leave blinds and curtains in normal positions wherever possible, taking care not to expose belongings attractive to prying eyes.
• Secure valuables – protect valuables from theft (important papers, jewelry, etc.) in a home safe or safe deposit box.
• Disconnect the computer – make sure your computer is turned off and disconnected from the Internet, particularly if it contains personal information. Also put away or shred telltale bills and receipts that add to the risk of identity theft.
• Lock up – ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked before you leave for vacation. This may sound elementary, but all it takes is one of them ajar to welcome an intruder and threaten home security.
• Collect mail – have your house helper collect mail, parcels and newspapers daily. For added home security, invite a neighbor or family member to park a car in your driveway for the duration.

Today’s Take-Away:

Just as you plan for your vacation, take some time to plan how to keep your home safe while you’re away. Your proactive steps will help make the “Home Sweet Homecoming” even sweeter.

Sources:

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/safety-and-health/keep-your-home-safe-on-vacation-9-essential-tips

http://www.oprah.com/home/Home-Security-Tips-for-Vacation-Season-Tom-Kraeutler