When you go away on vacation, the last thing you want to do is worry about dealing with a break-in or property damage when you come back. Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect your home from break-ins, fires, floods and other dangers when you're away. The following tips can help you keep your home as safe as possible when you're on vacation.
Use timed lighting
Intruders can tell when someone is away from home if they notice no lights ever come on in the evening or at night. Before leaving your home, set up timers to turn lights on inside your home at certain times. You can adjust the times these lights go on, so they're not turning on and going off at the same times each day.
Use timers on exterior lights to make sure the outside of your home is well-lit during the night, since this can also deter intruders.
Unplug devices
Power outages and surges can damage your electronics. Go around your house before leaving and unplug devices, such as your TVs and computers. You might also want to unplug microwaves and other small appliances to keep them safe from surges as well while you're gone. If you don't want to disconnect or unplug devices, plug them into a surge protector.
Have your mail stopped or picked up
Arrange to have your mail stopped temporarily while you're on vacation. If you don't want to do this, you can ask a trusted loved one to stop by your home regularly to pick up your mail. Letting mail pile up in your mailbox can make it easy for intruders to figure out no one is home, which increases the risk of a break-in.
Double check doors and windows
All of your doors and windows should be locked before you leave for your vacation. Go around your house, and double check every door and window to make sure they're all locked. Check your garage doors to make sure they're also locked, since intruders can break in this way as well.
Put valuables away
Don't leave any valuables out where intruders might see them when you're away from home. Have your valuables stored in a safe place in your home or in a safe deposit box.
About the Author
Diana Hellman
Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters