Secure Your Home Before Vacation

Posted on 27. Oct, 2009 by Mrs. Mecomber in how to

February is a big vacation month for us in the Northeast, but you don’t want to wait until then to prepare your vacation plans. If you will be leaving your home for any length of time on a holiday, you want to be sure that your home and all its contents will be safe (and still there!) upon your return. Here are a few security and home care tips to prepare your home before you leave for any extended trip:

Turn off your water supply.
In your basement near the water meter (where the water comes in to your home), there’s a valve that controls the input of water. It’s recommended that you turn off your water supply before an extended trip. Be sure to do this and empty your plumbing of water if you turn off your furnace during your vacation, so that a deep freeze does not freeze your pipes and cause them to burst. I’ve heard through the grapevine that some insurance companies insist you shut off your water supply AND drain the water from your plumbing before a vacation, or any damage will not be covered.
Turn off your furnace, or set it on low.
This is best if you live in a high humidity area, to prevent mold and mildew. You can even get a timer to have the furnace turn on periodically; or, set it at 55 so it will run when the temperature drops.
Unplug large appliances.
The refrigerator, hot water tank, computers, power-sucking TVs, etc… these don’t need to be on. If you have those “vampire” appliances (appliances that still use energy even when in “off” mode), unplug them all.
Place a “hold” on your mail.
One of the first things a thief looks for is if the mailbox is being emptied regularly. You can go to the Post Office a request a temporary hold on your mail delivery, or ask a friend or neighbor to check your mail box every other day.
Store all your valuables.
This can be as easy as stuffing your gems in a safe in the basement, or getting a safe deposit box at your local bank. But don’t give an intruder any more ideas than he already has– hide your stuff.
Do NOT broadcast your vacation plans on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, etc.
Let your trusty neighbor know you will be gone.
If you can, find someone to check on your property once in a while, to shovel the walk or check your mail.
Go over your insurance policies.
This can help you know what is necessary in case of an emergency. It’s also a good time to brush up on your coverages.
Turn off the telephone ringers.
A ringing telephone echoing through a cold, empty house can really travel, and burglars seem especially attuned to the sound. :-p Turn off your ringer, but keep your answering machine on.
Pull in all your outdoor stuff.
This may seem obvious, but you may overlook your trash cans, patio chairs, and winter shovels because you are used to seeing them. A windstorm can blow them to Tahiti. Secure your stuff or place it in storage.
Eat or donate perishable foods.
It’s no fun coming home to clean a moldy refrigerator after a glorious week in Palm Beach, is it?