11 Jul 12 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While You Enjoy Your Vacation

Planning that much needed summer vacation is exciting, but remember to also plan for keeping your home safe while you are away. Unfortunately, burglars look for homes that are clearly not occupied. So let’s eliminate that nagging concern about the safety of your home while you are away so that you can truely enjoy a carefree vacation.

There are some fundamental things you should do before locking up your home and heading off for that delightful destination. So while you are looking over your vacation checklist, add these tips for keeping your home safe to the list:

1. Lock All Windows and Doors – Yes, this is obvious, but did you secure the pet door? Do you have bolt locks on your garage door? Alternatively, did you turn off the garage door so that it can’t be hacked?
2. Stop Your Mail and Newspapers– These days you can stop your USPS mail online. Simple to do and it won’t create a telltale sign no one is home.
3. Have Someone Visit – Now is when being a good neighbor comes back for you. Mention that you are going on vacation and ask them if they will keep an eye on your home. Give them a spare key and ask them to pick up any packages and mail / newspaper if you forgot #2. Also, have them put out your garbage cans on garbage day while you are away to keep things looking normal. If you don’t have a friendly neighbor, ask a family member or friend if they can help out.
4. Don’t Hide a Spare Key – Burglars know about spare key hiding places. That’s why we recommend #3 instead.
5. Hire Someone to Mow the Lawn – If the neighbor in #3 will do this, you’re truely a great neighbor and have earned it! If not, hire someone to mow the lawn while you are away.
6. Set Lights on a Timer – It is often suggested to leave lights on in the home while you are away, but if the same lights are on all the time, that is nearly as big a giveaway as a dark home. Purchase timers for a few key lights and set them to turn on and off at certain times.
7. Keep the Outside Lit – If you have outdoor motion sensor lights, you are in business. Make sure they are working properly before you leave for vacation.
8. Don’t Announce Your Vacation on Social Media – Yes, its great to share the magical moments of your vacation with family and friends. Just do it when you return. Posting from that vacation destination is a green light to a burglar.
9. Unplug Appliances – Small appliances don’t need to be plugged in while you are away. They use energy even when turned off, so save some energy and protect them from possible power surges and the possibility of an electrical fire.
10. Turn the Water Heater to Vacation Mode – No need to heat water you are not going to be using. Turn it to vacation mode until you get back and save a little money to boot.
11. Change Your Thermostat – Turn the air down while you are away. Summer heat in Florida will keep your air running to cool a home while no one is there. Save a little money and don’t waste the energy.
12. Double Check Smoke Alarms – Check or replace the batteries before you leave. If the worst happens and there is a fire, the smoke alarm will alert that friendly neighbor in #3 or the fire department.

There you have it. Now, not only do you have a vacation checklist, but you also have a “keeping your home safe” section. Be sure to follow the steps above, and that carefree vacation you have been dreaming of will be a reality without any surprises waiting for you on your return.

At Devonshire Custom Homes, our goal is to build you the home of your dreams, and to make your home ownership everything you wanted. From the planning stage, to construction, to keeping your home beautiful and safe, we’re here to be your good neighbor. Find our more about our custom home building process and if you would like to talk about a vision your have for a new custom home, use the handly button below to request a no obligation consultation.