Many of us will be traveling to celebrate the holidays with family and friends this year. While joining those that you want to be with the most is always fun, it is important to keep your home safe while you are away. These tips can help you to minimize the risks associated with traveling and leaving your home unattended this time of year:
1. Don’t publicize your travel
While it is fun to share with your online friends that you will be traveling, it also provides your travel plans (when you are leaving, where you are going and when you will return) to potential burglars. Even if you have the highest security setting active on your social media accounts, sharing this kind of information is never recommended.
2. Tell a neighbor
One way to easily identify is no one is home is a full mailbox or a load of packages on a front porch. While you are away, ask a trusted neighbor if they are available to retrieve your mail or deliveries while you are away. If snow is predicted for the timeframe while you are away, arrange for the snow to be removed by a professional or neighbor. A snow filled driveway and sidewalk with no tracks easily identifies a vacant home.
3. Hide gifts and packages
We are accustomed to keeping holiday gifts out-of-sight for children, it is also a good idea to remove them from sight from potential intruders. Place your Christmas tree with gifts underneath it away from windows and remove the temptation of thieves to break a window and grab your gifts.
4. Utilize timers
Outlet timer and smart switches and outlets are a great way to make it look like you are home when you are away. Don’t forget to add them for holiday lights as well. Some smart devices even allow you to randomize on and off times to prevent potential intruders from noticing lights going on and off at the same times each day.
5. Don’t let water ruin your holiday
Broken pipes, dishwashers, ice makers and wash machines have ruined many vacations. Don’t let it happen to you. Some experts suggest that you close your main water shut-off before traveling. At the very least, it is a good idea to turn off the supply lines of appliances with water lines attached (don’t forget to turn your ice machine to “off” so that it doesn’t call for water while you are away and the water is off).
These tips can help you to enjoy your holiday travel and feel confident that your home is safe while you are away.
Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate (636)936-8600
Published on 2021-12-23 18:13:47
