What To Do Before A Trip: Home Safety Tips Part 1
You’ve started a countdown, planned the itinerary and rummaged through the basement to find the suitcases. Yes, you are ready for your vacation. Maybe you have several weeks to go until your family spring break trip, or maybe your visit to grandma’s house is just around the corner.
Whatever type of trip you have planned, we have one more thing to add to your “to-do” list. While you’re preparing yourself, don’t forget to prepare your home as well. If you take a little bit of time before a trip, you’ll save yourself the worry of damage, theft or loss happening while you’re out living your vacation dreams. Securing your house first will keep you from losing items, property or money- and you’ll be able to completely rest while you’re away.
Add these home safety tips to your vacation checklist:
Check In– Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your home daily. Meet with them before you leave to show them around the house, pointing out locks, alarm systems and plant and pet information. Leave them a list of tasks and your travel plans. Ask them to call the police if they see anything unusual. Its also a good idea not to advertise the fact that you and your family will be out of the area for a week. Tell only those friends and neighbors that need to know and make sure your family doesn’t post about the vacation on social media sites- this is an easy way for thieves to find vacant homes.
Valuables– Intruders almost always head straight to the master bedroom. Rethink where you store your extra cash, jewelry, guns and valuables. Keep all guns in a locked gun safe. You might want to store jewelry and cash at a safe deposit box at the bank.
Energy– Go through every room before you leave and unplug all unnecessary objects. Your TV and toaster won’t be used, so this will save you from wasting energy and electricity.
We know how vacations are- it is so easy to forget something important. Trust us, you’ll be happy you took a few steps to secure your home before your trip. Our next post will share the rest of the home safety tips you should check off before leaving town.
