Have you ever left for vacation and halfway to your destination gotten an uneasy feeling that you might have left the front door unlocked or the garage door open? That sinking feeling can sit deep in the pit of your stomach and leave you feeling anxious the entire time you’re away.
Traveling, while enjoyable, can also be extremely stressful— especially as you’re preparing to leave home. Although we cannot promise you a smooth trip with no airport delays, we can help remove some of the worry by providing you with tips to make sure your home will be secure while away.
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Turn the water main off, but leave the gas on.
- For most homes, you can find the water main located in a small box in the ground in the front yard. By simply turning the valve clockwise, you’ll be able to effectively shut off the water flowing to your home.
- The gas should be left on so that pilot lights don’t extinguish.
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Purchase and set timers for your lights.
- By using timers for lamps and other lighting fixtures, you can schedule your lights to turn on and off during certain hours of the day. This will make it appear that someone is home and may dissuade unwanted guests.
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Ask a neighbor or the post office to hold mail and packages.
- To prevent theft of mail and packages while away, ask a neighbor to ask them to check your mail and keep it safe. If you are away for an extended period, you may consider contacting your local post office to hold your mail.
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Secure all door and window locks.
- Do a walk-through in every room to make sure all doors and windows are locked and secured before you head out of town.
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Close blinds and curtains and hide valuables.
- Closing curtains will prevent people from looking inside your home. Be sure to hide valuable items and electronics that might be visible through windows.
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Find a pet sitter or kennel to care for your pet(s).
- Hire a pet sitter or recruit a friend to watch your pets or stop by your house to provide regular walks and feedings. If no one is available to help, a kennel can be a great alternative.
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