Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling for the Holidays

17 Nov Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling for the Holidays

Are you planning to travel during the holidays? Do you worry whether your house will be ok while you’re away? We have some great tips to help you take preventative measures to protect your home while you’re traveling.

Make it appear like someone is home.

Set timers on lights or lamps and position blinds like normal.  Park a car in the driveway and pull in any trash bins.  Ask a neighbor or friend to pick up your mail or deliveries so they do not pile up. This will prevent your packages from being stolen and the evidence of an empty house!

Avoid oversharing on social media.

While it is tempting to share about your vacation or holiday gatherings, it is also the best way to share that you are away from your home for potential home invaders.  Save the social sharing for when you return!

Share with a neighbor.

While social sharing is not recommended, asking a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home while gone is a good idea.  Ask them to call authorities if they see anything suspicious and make sure they have your vacation contact information. Remove a hidden spare key and give it to the neighbor for any issues that may arise.

Unplug any appliances not needed.

To avoid electrical fires or power surges while you are gone, make sure to unplug all unnecessary non-timed appliances.  This includes TV’s, coffee makers, lamps, computers and even chargers left plugged into the wall. Make sure holiday lights are unplugged as lights on dried trees or outdoor plant to pose an additional fire risk. Also, it is a great time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order.

Lock up the house.

It seems common sense but make sure you make a conscious sweep through the house to make sure doors and windows are locked including garage doors.  Make sure any cars left at home are locked with garage door openers removed. Even if your house is locked up, make sure valuables and expensive home appliances are out of view from windows.

Invest in your home with WaterMarke’s HomeWatch services

WaterMarke’s HomeWatch services can add even greater peace of mind whether you plan to be away for a week, a month or longer.  WaterMarke’s  HomeWatch inspectors visit your house as often as you wish to help you take proactive steps of protection.  Click here to learn more about WaterMarke’s HomeWatch services in the Jacksonville area.