Top Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re on Vacation
Vacation is fun. Worrying about your home’s safety is not. When you’re on a trip, the last thing you want to be thinking about is whether your home has been robbed, burned to the ground or leveled in an act of God. With just a few precautions, however, you can earn some peace of mind so that all you have to worry about are how many Mai Tais you can sip on the beach.
Get a Security System—and Check the Batteries
Obviously, the number one thing you can do to ensure home security in Walla Walla County, WA is lock it up. Start by making sure all doors and windows are secured, and hide any spare keys you may have stashed outside. Many families have security systems installed, so you’ll want to make sure yours is armed and that the batteries have been replenished. Don’t forget to lock up all of your valuables and draw curtains—there’s no sense in letting anyone see inside the home!
Now that we’re in the digital age, there are more home security options than ever before. Not only can you get a traditional alarm and motion-activated outdoor lights, but there are doorbells that record video and audio and can alert you when someone approaches your home. Many smart home systems will allow you to program lights to simulate a human presence, and you can install indoor and outdoor cameras around the perimeter of your home.
Unplug Before You Go
Electrical surges can cause fires, so be sure to unplug all non-necessary electronics before you leave. Fans, lamps, nightlights, televisions and kitchen appliances can all be unplugged before you leave on your trip. This has the added bonus of saving you money—electronics still use electricity even when they’re turned off. Avoid the fire hazard and save up to $100 per year by making sure everything’s unplugged when it’s not in use. You should also turn off your water main and set your water heater to “vacation mode.”
Don’t Tell Your (Facebook) Friends
Be smart about social media. Depending on your privacy settings, strangers may be able to figure out where you live and when you’re out of town. The best thing to do is not mention any upcoming vacations online before you go. If you have to mention it online, try to be vague about dates and times.
Catch Up on Your Home Maintenance
Finally, we suggest taking this opportunity to do general home maintenance that will reduce the risk of accidents or fires while you’re gone. Be sure to clean out your storm drains or gutters regularly, hire someone to mow your lawn or shovel the snow and have the postal service put your mail on hold until you return. You’ll simulate a human presence and will guarantee that you won’t be returning to chaos—or worse, a damaged or violated home.
Supreme Cleaning Services can provide more tips for home security in Walla Walla County, WA, as well as a full-service cleaning. Give us a call for a consultation!
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