Planning can be one of the best parts of vacation, but while you’re busy deciding if you should hit the pool or the beach—you should also be thinking about how you’ll protect your home while you’re away.
Dangers to your home can be obvious as a burglary or as unexpected as a natural disaster. There are simple tips you can follow to keep your home as safe as possible before you leave for vacation.
1 – Put your mail on hold or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick it up. Nothing says “no one’s home” like an overflowing mailbox.
2 – If you’re going to be gone for over a week, hire a lawn service to keep the yard cut/maintained while you’re away.
3 – Hold the #selfie! You can take as many fun shots as you want while you’re away, but wait until your home to post the pictures online. Criminals could be monitoring online activity and easily figure out where you live.
4 – Use an automatic timer on indoor and outdoor lights! It’ll keep up appearances that someone is home. If you’re tech savvy, consider investing in smart bulbs! You can turn them on and off with your phone and put them on a schedule.
5 – Turn off the water! By shutting off the main water supply, you could prevent a potential home plumbing disaster. Water sensors are another great option for keeping an eye on the water while you’re away.
6 – Unplug appliances to protect them from possible power surge.
7 – You don’t need pets to have someone come to the house! Ask a friend or relative stop by occasionally to check on the house.
8 – Before you leave, schedule an insurance review with your professional independent agent to ensure you are properly covered should theft or damage occur while you’re away.
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