You’ve booked your trip and have packed your suitcases, you’re ready to go for that long overdue vacation. Before you lock your home’s doors and shove the suitcases in the car, here are five ways to protect your home while you’re gone.
1. ASK SOMEONE TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR HOME. Ask a friend or neighbor to drive by your home at least once a day to make sure everything is still in place. That person can also bring in the mail, water the plants and maybe feed your pets.
2. PROGRAM YOUR THERMOSTAT. You don’t want to turn off your home’s HVAC completely, but set the temperature to about four degrees above or below its normal setting.
3. REMOVE YOUR “HIDDEN” KEYS. If there’s a key under your doormat, or tucked away in your garden gnome, remove it. These are spots where burglars will look. Leave your extra key(s) with your neighbor or friend.
4. LEAVE A CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY. This is a deterrent to potential burglars because it could mean that someone is home. Leave a car locked in the driveway so people can see it. You may also want to ask a neighbor if they would like to park their car in the driveway while you’re away.
5. DON’T BE SOCIAL. As tempting as it might be, you don’t need to post every detail about your vacation on social media. Keep in mind, you’re alerting potential burglars that your home is vacant.
Sources:
- Smart Traveler
- ASecureLife.com
- Radfin.com
- Safety.com
- Home Site
For a FREE, no-obligation homeowners’ insurance quote visit https://bluelineagency.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance.