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Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While on Vacation

By August 20, 2013April 15th, 2018General Updates

Labor Day weekend is less than two weeks away, and many of us are busy planning our last summer getaway. Whenever you go on vacation, it’s important to plan ahead and develop a plan to keep your home safe while you’re away. We put together Mackoul’s Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While on Vacation to help prevent incidents while you are gone:

1)      The best way to make sure your home is safe while you are on vacation is to have someone you trust keep an eye on it for you. Have them stop by once a day to feed your pet, water your plants, take in your mail, etc. If you are fortunate enough to have someone do this for you, make sure you return the favor when they go on vacation.

2)      If you don’t know someone that can pick up your mail, call your local post office to stop mail delivery until you get back. Most post offices can hold mail from three to 30 days.

3)      Make it look like someone is home. Purchase a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically according to a programmed schedule.

4)      Be careful who you tell about your vacation plans. In a world where we post everything on our social media pages, it’s important to think twice before making travel plans public knowledge. Don’t leave a message on your answering machine saying you’re away either.

5)      Lock everything up. Make sure you lock up your doors, windows and garage. If you have an alarm system, enable it before you leave. This may seem obvious, but locking up properly can be overlooked in the midst of your vacation excitement.

6)      Unplug your electronics. Disconnecting the power to some of your electronics, like your desktop computer, coffee pot and television can save you money and prevent fires while you’re gone. Turning off your garage door is also an effective way to keep thieves from opening it with a universal remote.

7)      Take in your hidden spare key. If someone suspects that you’re on vacation, they’ll check all the likely spots for a hidden spare key.

If you are interested in receiving a Homeowners Insurance quote, contact us here.

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