Going on vacation is an exciting time filled with anticipation and adventure. However, before you embark on your well-deserved trip, it’s crucial to ensure that you prepare your house for vacation. In this ultimate guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions to safeguard your home while you’re away, giving you peace of mind during your vacation.
Assessing Your Home’s Security Needs
Before you head out, take some time to assess your home’s security needs. By evaluating the current security measures in place, you can identify potential vulnerabilities and minimize risks.
- Evaluate the Current Security Measures:
- Check the condition and functionality of your door and window locks, surveillance cameras, and alarm systems.
- Ensure that your security systems are properly maintained and up to date.
- Consider upgrading outdated or weak security equipment.
- Identify Vulnerable Areas and Potential Risks:
- Walk around your property and look for weak points, such as doors, windows, or unsecured entrances.
- Pay attention to areas that might attract intruders or compromise your home’s security, such as overgrown vegetation or broken fences.
- Create a Security Checklist:
- Develop a comprehensive checklist to ensure that you cover all the necessary steps.
- Organize your tasks, prioritize them, and create a timeline to accomplish them before your departure.
Here is a list from the West Australian Police Force to get you started.
Securing Doors, Windows, and Entrances
Securing doors, windows, and entrances is a fundamental step in protecting your home from unauthorized access. Implement the following measures to fortify these critical entry points.
- Reinforce Door and Window Locks:
- Check the condition and strength of your door and window locks.
- Consider upgrading to deadbolt locks for added security.
- Reinforce weak frames if needed.
- Install Security Devices for Added Protection:
- Consider installing security devices such as window sensors, doorbell cameras, or motion-activated lights.
- These devices act as deterrents and provide an extra layer of protection for your home.
- Smart Home Security Systems:
- Explore the benefits of smart home security systems that enable remote monitoring, real-time alerts, and the ability to control access to your home from anywhere.
- Connect your security devices to a central hub for enhanced convenience and peace of mind.
- Secure Garage Doors and Other Entrances:
- Don’t overlook garage doors and other secondary entrances, as they can be vulnerable points of entry.
- Ensure they are properly locked and consider reinforcing them with additional security measures like padlocks or smart locks.
Exterior Maintenance and Safety Measures
Maintaining the exterior of your house is not only essential for curb appeal but also contributes to home security. Follow these tips to keep your property safe and well-maintained.
- Emphasize the Importance of Exterior Maintenance:
- A well-maintained exterior creates the impression that someone is home, deterring potential burglars.
- Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and remove any objects that could be used to gain access to your property.
- Secure Outdoor Belongings:
- Store outdoor furniture, gardening equipment, and other valuables in a locked shed or garage.
- Alternatively, consider using sturdy covers and securing items with padlocks or chains.
- Landscaping and Home Security:
- Strategically plan your landscaping to enhance security.
- Trim trees and shrubs near windows to eliminate hiding spots.
- Consider planting thorny bushes as an additional deterrent around vulnerable areas.
- Motion-Sensor Lighting:
- Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home.
- These lights will automatically illuminate when motion is detected, discouraging unwanted visitors and providing increased visibility at night.
Protecting Valuables and Documents
Safeguarding your valuables and important documents is crucial while you’re away. Take the necessary precautions to ensure their security during your vacation.
- Store Valuable Items Securely:
- Consider using a home safe or lockbox to store valuable items such as jewelry, cash, and important documents.
- Place the safe in a discreet location that is difficult for intruders to find.
- Safeguard Important Documents:
- Make digital copies of essential documents like passports, insurance policies, and identification cards.
- Store these copies securely in the cloud or on a password-protected external drive.
- Additionally, inform a trusted family member or friend about the location of important physical documents in case of emergencies.
- Digital Backups for Essential Files:
- Back up important files on your computer or laptop to a secure cloud storage service.
- This ensures that you can access your documents from anywhere in case of theft or damage to your devices.
Ensuring Home Appliance and Utility Safety
To prevent accidents and save energy while you’re away, take the following measures to ensure the safety of your home appliances and utilities.
- Home Appliance Maintenance:
- Create a checklist of home appliances that need attention before your vacation.
- Clean out the refrigerator, empty the dishwasher, and remove any perishable food items.
- Unplug unnecessary electronics to prevent power surges and reduce energy consumption.
- Water and Gas Valve Checks:
- Turn off the main water supply to prevent potential leaks or flooding.
- Additionally, consider shutting off the gas valve if you have gas appliances to minimize the risk of leaks or accidents.
- Timers for Lights and Appliances:
- Invest in timers that can automatically turn lights and appliances on and off at specific times.
- This creates the illusion of an occupied home, deterring potential intruders.
- Arranging for House Maintenance:
- Taking care of house maintenance tasks before leaving ensures that your home remains in good condition while you’re away.
- House Sitter or Trusted Neighbor:
- If possible, arrange for a house sitter to stay at your home or ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your property.
- They can collect mail, water plants, and address any unexpected issues that may arise.
- Professional House Maintenance Services:
- Hire professionals to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as lawn care, pool maintenance, or HVAC system checks.
- This ensures that your home remains well-maintained and minimizes the risk of potential problems.
- Mail and Newspaper Deliveries:
- Temporarily stop mail and newspaper deliveries or ask a neighbor to collect them.
- A buildup of mail or packages can signal that the house is vacant, potentially attracting unwanted attention.
- Plumbing and HVAC System Checks:
- Schedule a plumbing inspection to detect any leaks or potential issues.
- Additionally, have your HVAC system serviced to ensure it is in good working condition while you’re away.
Cybersecurity and Online Presence
Protecting your online presence and personal information is equally important as securing your physical property. Follow these guidelines to enhance your cybersecurity while on vacation.
- Secure Personal Information Online:
- Update passwords for your email, social media accounts, and online banking platforms.
- Use strong, unique passwords or consider using a password manager for added convenience and security.
- Software and Password Updates:
- Ensure that all your devices and software are up to date with the latest security patches.
- Regularly update your antivirus software to protect against emerging threats.
- Social Media Privacy Settings:
- Review your social media privacy settings and adjust them accordingly.
- Avoid sharing your vacation plans or posting real-time updates about your location while you’re away.
- Temporarily Disable Auto-Responses:
- Disable automated email replies or auto-response messages that reveal you are on vacation.
- Instead, inform only necessary contacts about your absence through direct communication.
- Remote Access and Wi-Fi Security:
- If you plan to access your home systems remotely, ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secure and encrypted.
- Use strong passwords for your Wi-Fi router and consider enabling additional security measures like a firewall or a virtual private network (VPN).
Emergency Preparedness and Contact Information
Being prepared for emergencies and having contact information readily available can make a significant difference in case of unexpected situations. Take the following steps to ensure you’re prepared.
- Emergency Contact List:
- Create a list of important phone numbers, including local authorities, emergency services, and trusted neighbors or friends.
- Keep this list easily accessible, both digitally and in a physical format.
- Home Insurance and Emergency Services:
- Familiarize yourself with your home insurance policy and the coverage it provides.
- Keep a copy of your policy number and insurance company contact information in case you need to make a claim.
- Neighbors and Trusted Contacts:
- Inform a trusted neighbor or nearby friend about your travel plans.
- Provide them with a spare key and contact information in case of emergencies or unexpected events.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
- Ensure that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly.
- Replace batteries if needed to guarantee their functionality while you’re away.
Final thoughts
By following this ultimate guide, you can effectively prepare your house for vacation, ensuring the security of your home, valuables, and personal information. Taking these steps will provide you with peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your well-deserved vacation without worrying about the safety of your property. Remember, thorough preparation is key to a worry-free and enjoyable trip.
For further preparation tips try these articles.
How to get the best travel insurance
10 Tips to help you find cheap flights
Hopefully you will find these useful.
Cheers and happy travels.