Traveling this winter? Here are some easy tips to make sure that your home is prepared during your time away:
Keep things looking normal.
Making your home appear occupied when you’re away is an effective way to ward off burglars. Do you normally have someone maintain your lawn and landscaping? Keep this routine. If anyone is watching houses, they’ll notice if something is different.
Have a trusted friend or family member stop by every day or two to retrieve unexpected deliveries or door hangers. While you can put a hold on newspapers and mail, you can’t predict when random flyers or packages will be left at the front door.
Don't leave spare keys outdoors. Burglars know the most popular hiding places, like beneath mats and in potted plants. It’s better and safer to leave a key with a friend or family member.
Lock valuables in a safe.
Burglars know to check the bedroom for valuables. Put valuables somewhere unusual like a kitchen pantry, child’s bedroom or bathroom closet. If you don't already have your valuables in a safe deposit box, before you leave on a trip might be the time to do so.
Disconnect your garage door.
Garage door openers can sometimes be opened by universal remotes or a wire hanger. Unplug your automatic garage door opener and secure all entrances into the garage. Make sure to have at least a deadbolt lock between the garage and the house door.
Install a security system.
Having a security system will most definitely deter burglars, so advertise it! Post stickers near your most obvious entry points like your front and back door, as well as side doors off your garage.
Protect your house.
Set timers on interior lights. Better to have some illumination than to have an entire house dark for days. Don't allow your house to appear as if no one is home.
You never know if a power surge can occur, so be prepared. Disconnect the laptops, TVs, stereo, and other electronics, or make sure they are plugged into a surge protector.
Make sure pipes in areas such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces are insulated. In unusually cold weather, set your thermostat at 55 degrees or above. Ask a neighbor or trusted friend to stop by and check on the house and periodically turn on the faucets to ensure the pipes don't freeze.
Sound overwhelming? You’ll have peace of mind when you’re gone. Or, you could consider maintenance-free living at VMRC. We’ll take care of securing your home while you’re gone! No worries about whether you left on lights, cancelled your mail or watered your plants. Retirement living takes the worry out of home safety and security – especially when you travel. Contact Jefferson Burgess, jburgess@vmrc.org to learn about becoming a member of the Priority Club – and get on the waitlist to move to VMRC.
Recent Posts
Get Notified When We Post Content
Archives
April 2022March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
August 2019
July 2019
April 2019