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Keeping Your Home Safe While You’re Away on Vacation
We all love getting to take vacation. In fact, for most American families, focusing on that coveted time off during the summer months is a beacon in the darkness of daily repetition. We need the time to recharge. What we don't need is to discover our sanctuary was invaded while taking that time to recharge, however.
Here are some handy ways to keep your Indian Lake home safe while you're traveling which won't break the bank. With a little pre-planning, you'll have peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your down time.
1. Let Your Neighbors Know. It's important to give neighbors a heads-up if you'll be leaving town for a week or more. Consider leaving an extra key (or at least your contact info and the phone number of someone local who has a key) with a neighbor that you have a good relationship with, in case of emergency.
TIP: While vacations are exciting, consider before posting upcoming plans to social media. This can be a big flag pointing to your EMPTY house. Better safe than sorry, wait to share details about your trip after it's happened and you're home again.
2. Timed Lights and Motion Sensors. Making your home appear occupied is the best way to deter break-ins. Basic timer kits can be picked up and installed to go on and off throughout the day in various parts of the house. Consider installing outdoor motion sensing lights if you don't already them. If you do, don't forget to make sure the bulbs are good.
3. Hire a Sitter. If you have pets you'll need to do this anyway, unless you plan to board them. However, having a person actually stay at your house, or at least coming and going on a regular basis during your absence is the best deterrent to unwelcome visitors. This person can collect the mail, newspapers, packages that may be delivered in while you're gone, and water your plants.
4. Lock It Up. Not just the front and back doors. Be sure to go through the house and check all window latches, doors, and main entrances before you depart. Vacation day usually translates to controlled chaos. Sometimes not so controlled. Don't take chances, if you have to, put a large note on your keys or bags so you can't miss it.
5. Secure Sliding Glass Doors/Window. Place a wooden pole or thick dowel in the groove of the tracks after the door/window is shut. It won't stop glass from being busted out to get in, but will make your home a less desirable target.
6. Routines Are Everything. If you will be away for more than a week . . .
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Ask a neighbor to handle your garbage and recycling bins out on trash day.
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Don't let mail pile up. Either get a hold placed on it at the post office for while you're gone, or ask a friend/neighbor to collect it every couple of days. Same goes for your newspaper delivery.
7. Keep Landscape Visibility Friendly. Trimming trees and shrubs so that windows and doors are not blocked make it difficult for someone to break in unnoticed.
8. Don't Suspend Regular Services. If you have someone who comes on a regular basis to do yard work (regardless of season or weather), keep them coming. The routine is important, but coming home to a tidy yard or a shoveled driveway will prolong those vacation feel goods.
9. Hide the Valuables. You may leave an odd curtain or blind open for the sake of appearances. However, be aware that this could also invite a would-be burglar to scope the joint. Laptops, flat-screen TVs, and other expensive electronics within reach of a window make an easy mark for a smash-and-grab-type burglar.
10. Pipes! If you live in a cold area, wrapping outside faucets and asking a friend to stop by to flush toilets and run the inside faucets every now and again will go a long way towards preventing freezing pipes. And the subsequent destruction that come from burst pipes.
Now you've thought of everything. Make your list, check it off twice, and then get out of here … your vacation is waiting. For information about vacation homes in Indian Lake, contact one of our agents!