How to secure your home whilst you’re on holiday
Published on Tue May 30 2017 in Lifestyle
Holidays should be about rest and relaxation. Coming home to a robbery or damage is the last thing you want after a well-deserved holiday. Thankfully, with just a few steps you can help protect your home from disaster.
Before you go
Keep things looking as normal as possible. Many people will draw all the blinds or leave a light on whilst they’re away to deter would-be thieves. The problem is, most homes don’t look like this when people are there. Instead, keep some of the curtains open and attach a timer to a few lamps and exterior lights. This gives a more natural impression that someone is home.
Out of sight, out of mind. Often, thieves decide which homes to target by looking in the windows. Expensive electronics are a big draw (flat screen TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, tablets), but smaller items like jewelry, credit cards, and car keys can also spark a robber’s interest. Place smaller items somewhere they can’t be seen, and draw some blinds to hide larger ones.
Account for all your keys. You likely have several copies of house keys, so make a list of where they are and who has them. Remove any keys that are hidden outside, and give a trusted neighbour a copy for emergencies. If any keys are missing, have your locks changed if there’s time. Also, consider other ways people could enter your home. If you park cars in the driveway, remove the garage remote from them and disable the automatic garage door opener.
Lock up. Before heading out, do one last security check. Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked using the deadbolt. Place metal or wooden rods in the tracks of sliding glass doors to prevent them from being opened. Don’t forget to secure any pet doors, too.
Ask for help
Have a neighbour keep an eye on things. Unfortunately, not everything in your home can be automated just yet. Enlisting the help of a neighbour will help keep up the appearance that someone is home. Ask them to check the mail, clear newspapers and flyers from the walkway, take out the bins, and move your car every few days. Remember to get them a small thank you gift and offer to return the favour the next time they’re away.
Find a house sitter. A house sitter can keep a closer eye on your home whilst you’re away. This is a great option if you need someone to care for pets or houseplants, with the added bonus of thwarting robbers looking for an empty home to hit. There are many websites that connect homeowners with trusted sitters, or ask a relative or friend.
Keep up the yard. Depending on the season, an un-mowed lawn, leaves on the walkway, or snow in the drive all signal that a house is empty. Hire a gardener to maintain the lawn and garden whilst you’re gone. Not only will the house appear more lived in, but it will save you a few chores once you return!
Whilst you’re away
Follow the weather at home. What’s happening at home is the last thing on your mind during a holiday. However, keeping up to date with the weather is useful. Frozen pipes in winter, flooding during storms or power surges due to lightening can all cause damage. Anticipating potential weather-related issues will provide a neighbour or family member with time to take preventative steps or assess any damage as soon as possible.
Wait until you’re home to share holiday details online. Social media makes it easy to stay connected no matter where we are. Many of us instantly upload holiday photos or check in to local tourist spots without thinking twice. However, sharing these details online can let more than just your family and friends know you’re not home. No matter how secure your privacy settings are, it’s always best to wait until you get home before sharing the details of your trip.
With a little preparation, you can holiday without worrying about your home. Are there any other pre-travel home security tips we’ve missed? Share your tips with us on Facebook.
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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