Whether you are one of the lucky ones who get to winter away from the cold or like a lot people, getting to spend a week or two down south, there are many things you can do to keep your home safe from break-ins or damage giving you peace of mind.
First and foremost avoid posting your plans and pictures on social media, In fact, some insurance companies may not cover you if you have posted that you were not home and a break- in occurs. Check with your own insurance company to confirm.
Before going away, it is wise to secure all of your valuables that you will not be taking with you like jewelry, collectibles or sentimental items. Renting a safety deposit box at your local bank is a wise decision and worth the peace of mind.
Security systems are becoming more and more affordable these days and there is one out there for everyone. Most connect to an app on your cell phone giving you peace of mind and the ability to watch over your home from wherever you are. A lot of them will even alert you that someone is at your door and you can converse with them immediately.
Asking someone to watch over and check in isn`t a bad idea. Let your close neighbors know your plans; an extra set of eyes is not a bad thing to have. During winter, hire someone to clean the snow and make it look as though someone is home. Have your neighbors drive in and out of your driveway or even have them park their extra vehicles in your driveway.
Set timers on your indoor and outdoor lights and set them to turn off and on at normal times. Leaving lights on 24/7 is also a sure sign no one is home. Check that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order and unplug all electronics and appliances. Turn off your water. In winter, keep your heat set to very low but not turned off as you may come home to burst pipes. Be sure to secure all windows and doors before leaving.
While break-ins and damage can still occur, taking these steps to secure your home while away is good practice. Enjoy your vacation.
