Home Safety on Vacation
At last, it’s almost vacation time. The cold has finally given way to warm days; the children are on break, and you’re planning that vacation you’ve being dreaming of for the last few months. Where do you want to go? A spa, the beach, a long camping trip, no matter where you choose to go or how you get there, the mere thought of it brings a smile.
Millions of Americans will also be going. There will be so much to do, itineraries, shopping, pet care, rentals, and reservations all must be done. Packing and getting the house ready, so you don’t have to come home to cleaning tasks. You sometimes feel that you need a vacation from planning your vacation. In the middle of all of this planning, it is important that you consider the safety of your home and not leave it for the last minute.
Sadly this is the time that burglars and others are also looking forward too. Think about it, all those empty houses full of electronics and jewelry for the taking.
Perhaps you believe you’re safe because you have an alarm system or cameras set up. The sad truth is alarm systems can be bypassed by persons experienced in that area. Cameras don’t help until it’s too late. You will be able to give the tapes to the police in the hopes of identifying criminals, but it’s too late. Empty houses can also attract a particular type of person intent on partying or vandalizing, both could cost you thousands in repairs. It’s not pleasant just thinking about what could happen. Do you really not want to have a safety plan? It may take time, and it’s probably not the kind of thing you wish to think about in the middle of all your other planning. Still it may end up being one of the most important things you do.
It’s not that difficult to take the steps needed to keep your home and things safe. . You will significantly cut back on your stress if you can cut down on the amount of worrying you do. There are things you can do to ensure your home is safe when you get back from vacation.
Tips for keeping your house safe when you’re away
Ask Neighbors to Keep Watch
Tip one is the simplest. Have someone keep a look out on things for you. A sibling, best friend or trusted neighbor, any of them, will do. Have them come over daily just to check things out? You may want them to water plants, feed pets and just make sure the house is in good shape. Their coming and goings could also fool anyone watching the house into believing someone is there. You can bribe them with a favorite treat or promise to watch their home when they’re on vacation. More people are willing to help out this way than you think. It’s rather a nice feeling to know you’re trusted.
Limit Social Media Announcements
Don’t let the criminals in on your plans. We live in a world where social media has become King. We post everything online. Your vacation plans should never find their way on the web for any reason. You don’t know who is monitoring your account but trust me, there are some pretty nasty people out there just waiting their chance. They know people often post their plans. Talk with the children or grandchildren. They may think they are just sharing the fun with their friend. Often children have no idea that people other than their friends may be reading their posts.. The people who need to know can be called or talked to in person. When you get back, you can share all of your pictures and stories to your heart’s content.
Give Police an Emergency Contact
Let the police in on your plans. Make sure they can contact the person you’ve left in charge. They will need to know the person’s name and a contact number. You may want to share this contact information with your alarm company also. In larger towns, they most likely won’t be able to use extra patrol persons to check on your home but in case of an emergency the information could become important.
What about the curtains? This one always seems to throw people, but the general belief is that they should be opened and closed the same way they would be if you were home. If you always leave them closed then leave them closed. Talk with your house sitter, perhaps they can open them during the day and close them in the evening. One word of caution though, if you usually leave them open remove all electronics and valuables that are visible through the window. Place them somewhere out of sight.
Keep Lights on a Timer
What about the lights? This one could cost a small amount of money but is well worth it. Simply buy some timer switches that will turn your lights on and off either randomly or at preset times. Criminals sometimes watch for lights that remain on all night or that are left on during the day. If there is a pattern to your light when you are home use the preset type.
Dont leave your Spare-key Outside
This one is very obvious, but many people don’t think of it. If you keep your spare key outside, then remove it. You may believe that your hiding place is excellent, and no one will think of it, but that’s probably not true. Burglars know their job well. No matter where you hide it you can be sure the bad guys will look there. Instead, give the spare to your house sitter.
Suspend Your Mail Delivery
Stop your mail delivery. This tip is an old one but even more important today than it once was. Online shopping means frequent deliveries. Contact your post office and UPS service. Both will gladly hold your mail and deliveries. The other option is to have your house sitter bring in the mail and packages. Also don’t forget about the newspaper. A pile of papers is a sure give away that you are gone.
Always tell your house sitter about any persons that may show up. For example a dog-walker or landscape worker. Do you really want Aunt Betty to go to jail until you can be contacted? Also give them temporary codes on your home security system so they can disarm your alarm without and not cause a false alarm.
There you have it, tips to keep your home safe while you are out having fun. It only takes a little planning to know that things back home are being taken care of and that your homecoming won’t be a shock.
