11 Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While You're on Vacation This Summer

Heading out on vacation is always exciting, but it's crucial to ensure your home remains safe and secure while you're away. Here are some comprehensive safety tips to protect your home during your summer getaway:

1. Secure All Entry Points
   Before leaving, double-check that all doors and windows are securely locked. This includes less obvious entry points like garage doors, basement windows, and patio doors. Consider reinforcing doors with deadbolts and using window locks or security bars.
2. Install a Security System
   A robust security system is a significant deterrent to potential intruders. Modern systems offer features like surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and door/window sensors. Many systems can be monitored remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to keep an eye on your property from anywhere in the world.
3. Use Smart Lighting
   Smart lighting systems can be programmed to turn lights on and off at various times, creating the illusion of occupancy. Set up timers for indoor and outdoor lights and consider using motion-activated lights around the exterior of your home to deter trespassers.
4. Hold Your Mail and Deliveries
   A buildup of mail, newspapers, and packages signals to burglars that the home is unoccupied. Arrange for the postal service to hold your mail and pause newspaper deliveries. Alternatively, ask a neighbor or friend to collect them regularly.
5. Maintain Your Yard
   An unkempt yard can also indicate that no one is home. If you're going to be away for an extended period, hire a service to mow the lawn and tend to any landscaping needs. Trim any bushes or trees that could provide cover for intruders.
6. Notify a Trusted Neighbor
   Inform a trusted neighbor of your plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Provide them with your contact information and a spare key in case of emergencies. A neighbor can also move trash bins, park in your driveway, and perform other tasks to make it appear as if someone is home.
7. Turn off the Water
   By shutting off your water supply you can prevent potential water damage. If a pipe were to burst or a leak were to develop while you are away, it could cause extensive damage to your home and belongings. This is especially important during extended vacations, where a leak could go unnoticed for days or even weeks.
8. Unplug Electronics
   Unplug non-essential electronics to protect them from power surges and reduce the risk of fire. This also helps save on energy costs. Ensure that any appliances, like stoves and space heaters, are turned off.
9. Create an Inventory of your Home’s Content
   Take pictures or short videos of each room in your house. This way, if something should happen while you are away, you will have recent photos/videos that can be used during the claims process.
10. Avoid Social Media Announcements
    As tempting as it is to share your vacation plans on social media, it's wiser to wait until you return. Publicly announcing your absence can make your home a target for burglars.
11. Consider a House Sitter
    If feasible, hire a house sitter to stay at your home while you're away. This ensures that your home is continually occupied, deterring potential burglars.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy your summer vacation with greater peace of mind, knowing your home is well-protected in your absence. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing unwanted incidents and ensuring your property remains secure.