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Published: December 21st 2019
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When people get overly excited and thrilled about going on a vacation, it is rather simple to fail to think about what you are leaving behind. Until you arrive at the airport and ask oneself: Is the door locked? Did I put off the iron? Because of this, it is crucial to secure and keep your home safe before you leave.
In this way, you can travel with the utmost peace of mind and confidence. For a little help, here are some practical and effective ways to secure your home when you are on vacation. These tips will aid in ensuring that you won’t come home to any troublesome surprises. Take a read!
Opt for a Professionally Monitored Security System
Your home’s first line of protection against trespassing and break-ins is a security system that has window and door sensors. Some home security systems enable you to monitor your property by yourself.
Even so, if you are going on a vacation to another country, particularly with questionable data network coverage, notifications on your smartphone will not do you much benefit. But with a professionally monitored security system, the security company will automatically alert the authorities on your behalf when there is a breach.
Some of the top security systems that you should consider are: ● Swann Security System. Key features include local and cloud storage, mobile alerts, DIY installation, professional monitoring, live view footage, and wireless control panels. Do read
an overview of this security system to know more.
● Frontpoint. Key features include door and window sensors, DIY installation, environmental protection, and video doorbells. You can try this security system for free within the first 30 days.
● Simplisafe. Key features include DIY installation, mobile alerts, wireless equipment, 24/7 monitoring, disaster protection, and more. What sets this security system apart is that it builds its own equipment, and the costs for both its monitoring and equipment are incredibly affordable.
Have a Smart Thermostat
While you are on vacation, there is no use of cooling or heating an unoccupied house to a homely temperature. Even so, completely turning off the system is not an ideal option. The best thing to do here is to program your thermostat to 4°C below or above your standard setting when you’re not home.
Through the help of a smart thermostat, you can program a schedule beforehand so that your home will have a comfortable temperature when you return home. Also, you can quickly check the temperature of your home remotely and make the necessary adjustments.
One of the best smart thermostats available today is the Nest Learning Thermostat. It is highly recommended as it is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo, utilizes geofencing, and understands temperature preferences.
Unplug Unnecessary Appliances
Disconnecting unnecessary appliances such as lamps, fans, coffee makers, computers, TV, and more, will both save you money and lower the risk of fire. Keep in mind that the power used by these appliances while they are not in use, usually called standby or phantom power, accounts for at least 10 percent of household energy use.
Plus, it costs each residence around $100 per year. What’s more, unplugging nonessential electronics can help you against electrical surges, which can cause fires or short out costly equipment.
Hold Your Mail and Newspaper Delivery
When you plan to go on a vacation for at least a couple of days, make sure to talk to your local post office to hold your mail delivery until you return home. Your local post office can hold your mail for at least thirty days.
In other areas, homeowners can send an email request online to stop mail delivery. All you need to do is to type in your address and start and stop dates. Besides your mail, you also need to hold your newspaper delivery because a pile of newspapers on your doorstep can make your home a target for intruders.
Turn Off the Main Water Supply of Your Home
Nobody wants to return home after a sweet vacation to a flooded basement. So, it’s crucial to shut off your home’s main water supply before leaving for long holidays to avoid floods and leaky pipes.
Hide Your Valuables
When you’re away for several days, it’s especially important to hide or lock up your valuables. Secure these items in a household safe or in an unexpected place in your home that burglars won’t even think of rummaging.
Takeaway
Do not let the excitement and thrill of a vacation or travel blind you to the potential dangers of leaving your home unsecured. Sure, you can plan your camping or beach holiday, but ensure to take the necessary measures before you go. It is better to be safe than sorry. Thus, do check the
safety checklist of your home before you head out.
Author's Bio:
Tyler Pack is a writer and a blogger. He loves to write about technology, business, real estate, and home security. In his free time, Tyler spends time with his wife and kids.
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