Leaving on vacation, you expect to leave everyday life behind you and finally relax without any regard for the outside world. But as you bathe in the sunlight on a sandy beach, you might be suddenly struck by an overwhelming worry about your house that is currently empty and vulnerable to all sorts of threats.
Being hundreds of miles away, you have no control over what is happening back at your house. That is why you need to prepare your property for any potential mishaps and set it to vacation mode to ensure its security. Going on vacation mode includes such measures as shutting off the water, unplugging unnecessary electronics, and preparing for severe weather conditions.
The anxiety caused by the thought of finding your property in ruins might prevent you from fully enjoying your trip. Luckily, by following the tips below, you should be able to keep it safe with ease!
Prepare for Severe Weather
During severe weather conditions, such as a strong gales or blizzards, you want to make sure that your home is safe. If the area that you live in is likely to be affected by severe weather conditions, you might want to put any items that might get blown away by strong winds in the basement or in the garage, as well as install storm shutters.
In addition, it is worth noting that with heavy storms comes the risk of floods and power outages. With no electricity, your pump will not be able to remove the water from your basement if it happens to get flooded. As a precaution, you could invest in a power generator that would turn on automatically in case of power failure. You have plenty of power generators to choose from, including Predator Generators 9000, or the ones designed by Yamaha or Duromax.
Unplug Unnecessary Electronics
To save energy, unplug all unnecessary electronics, such as computers, television sets, or your beloved Sonos Play 5. First, it will help you save money. Second, if a power surge occurs, nothing will get damaged. If it is not used to keep the property safe or preserve something, turn it off. In addition, you could empty the fridge and unplug it, too. You will not be needing the food that is inside it for a long while, and unplugging it is likely to help you save a significant amount of money.
Shut Off the Water
An important thing to do when you go on vacation is to shut off the water supply, as just a small leak can lead to serious problems, including a flooded house. To prevent water damage, make sure that all taps are turned off and that the main valve is closed.
Remove Perishables
Speaking of fridges, you should empty the fridge before you leave. If you leave any perishables inside it, the said perishables will begin to rot and smell in a few days, attracting insects and other pests. So, products such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and all the leftovers should be removed.
Adjust the Thermostat
If you are leaving for an extended period of time, you should keep the thermostat between eighty-five and ninety degrees Fahrenheit during summer vacation. It will help you lower energy bills, and it will protect your property from moisture and mould. The easiest way to do it is to use a programmable thermostat that can adjust temperatures automatically.
Put Lights on Timers
While you are away, make sure that the lights are turned on and off in the evenings. As your home is standing empty, it becomes an easy target for burglars. When your lights turn on each night automatically, you will create an illusion that someone is inside, which might discourage thieves from breaking into your property.
You can have a family member come around and turn the lights on and off for you every day, but the easiest way to go about doing it is to put lights in a few places around the house on special light timers. You should be able to get such a timer at a local electronics store.
Check All Locks and Security Systems
As your home is standing empty, it can end up being targeted by burglars. If your property is equipped with a security system, make sure that everything is in order. Check each component of the security system, including the alarm system and motion sensors. Also, do not forget to check all doors and windows and fix or replace any locks that are broken or malfunctioning.
Hide Any Valuables
It is important that you take additional measures to protect your property while away for holidays. It might seem unlikely, but your house can end up being broken into. When burglars break into a home, they look for valuable items. It might not be difficult for them to find jewellery, cash, expensive electronics, and other things of value, particularly if you place such things in obvious hiding places or do not hide them at all.
A smart way to prevent burglars from stealing your possessions is to hide them in a great hiding spot. For example, you can easily hide your valuables in a small box and then place the box in a safe. If someone breaks into your house, they will not have time to figure out how to unlock the safe, preventing your valuable from being stolen.
Ask Someone to Water the Plants and Check on Things
If you are going on vacation, find a neighbour who can check up on your property regularly. Make sure to give them a spare key so that they can enter the house and make sure that everything is in order. It is a great way to add another layer of security to your home. In addition, you will be able to have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe. As they are inside, they might as well water your plants so that they do not wilt in your absence.
In Conclusion
To protect your home while you are away on holiday, you will need to do a few things before your departure. Make sure that all locks and security systems are in order, unplug any unnecessary electronics, switch off the water supply, and remove any perishables from your refrigerator. In addition, you can ask someone to check up on your house and water your plants.
By doing that, you can save money and prevent your property from getting damaged. But even more importantly, it will give you peace of mind on vacation. You will not have to worry about your home while you are relaxing and enjoying yourself!
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