Going on VACATION? Must Do's Before You Leave

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Most American plan on taking at least one family vacation every year. When traveling for more than a couple of days, be sure your home is properly protected. Windows and doors being locked are a given however are you're missing steps to be sure your home will be the same when you return? 

Do Not Let People Know Your Home is Empty.

1. Put a HOLD on your mail and newspaper service.
2. Continue Lawn Care Services to make your home seem less abandoned.
3. Set your indoor and outdoor lights on a timer or install motion detectors to deter burglars.
4. Post vacation pictures on social media when you return.

Accident Proof Your Home.

1. Check and replace batteries in your thermostat, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, security devices, cameras, motion detectors, etc.
2. Shut off the main water supply or the water pump. We just received a call today from a homeowner who has been on vacation for the last week and his daughter just discovered that a water supply line sprung a leak on the second floor of their home causing damages to all three levels. All the drywall on the first level and in the finished basement level had fallen in, water was bubbled behind the paint in the walls and there were inches of standing water that had not yet found it's way to the lowest point in the home. Imagine coming home to that. This type of situation happens more often that you think.
3. Switch your water heater to vacation mode or turn it off to conserve energy. 
4. Unplug your electronics to prevent a power surge or make sure they are plugged into a surge protector. 
5. If losing power is typical during a storm or heavy rain, freeze a cup of water and place a penny on top of the ice before you leave for vacation. When you return home, check to see if the penny is frozen on top or the bottom of the cup. This will tell you if your home lost power while you were on vacation. Inspect the food in your refrigerator or freezer.

While these tips may be time consuming before you go on vacation, they could save you a huge headache when you return.