When you go on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your house is safe and secure. But by taking a few minutes to do some basic checks before you leave, you can rest easy knowing that your home is taken care of while you’re away. Here are nine things to check before leaving for vacation!
1. All Doors and Windows are Locked
The first step to securing your home is to make sure all doors and windows are locked. This includes exterior doors, windows, and any interior doors that lead to the outside. In addition, be sure to lock any garage doors or shed doors that could provide easy access to your home. You may also want to consider investing in a security system that will alert you if any doors or windows are opened while you’re away.
2. All Appliances are Turned Off and Unplugged
Before leaving your house for vacation, it’s important to make sure all appliances are turned off and unplugged. This includes things like the stove, oven, coffee maker, toaster, etc. Not only will this help save energy while you’re away, but it will also prevent any potential accidents or fires. You may also want to consider unplugging any electronics that could be damaged by a power surge, such as computers and TVs.
3. The Water is Turned Off
If you’re going to be gone for more than a few days, you may want to turn off the water to your house. This will prevent any leaks or flooding while you’re away. To turn off the water, simply locate the main water valve and turn it to the “off” position. Once you’re home, you can then turn the water back on and flush any pipes that may have become clogged while the water was turned off.
4. The Heating/Cooling System is Turned Off
If you have a central heating and cooling system, it’s important to make sure it’s turned off before you leave for vacation. A malfunctioning system could lead to a fire or flooding while you’re gone, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and turn it off completely. If you have an older home, you may want to consider turning off the power to the entire house to prevent any accidents.
5. The Garage Door Is In Good Condition
If your garage door isn’t functioning properly, it could be an easy way for burglars to break into your home. Make sure to test the garage door before you leave on vacation to ensure that it’s working properly. If you notice any issues, consider contacting a garage door repair company to fix the problem before you go. Garage motor repairs should only be conducted by a professional.
6. All Lighters and Candles are Extinguished
Whether you use them for ambiance or utility, it’s important to ensure that all candles and lighters are properly extinguished before leaving your home for vacation. A small flame can quickly grow into an uncontrollable fire, so make sure to check each room of your house for any burning candles or lighters. If you have any concerns, consider blowing out all candles and putting them away for the duration of your trip.
7. The Stovetop is Clean
One way to prevent fires while you’re away from home is to make sure your stovetop is clean before you leave. Built-up grease and food can easily catch fire, so it’s important to wipe down your stovetop with soapy water before you go. This will help prevent any accidents while you’re away.
8. The Fridge is Empty
No one wants to come home to a fridge full of rotting food. Clean it out before you go, and make sure to leave it unplugged while you’re gone. If you have any concerns about your fridge staying cold enough, consider investing in a small freezer that can be plugged in and turned off when not in use. This will help keep your food fresh and prevent any accidents.
9. The Alarm System is Set
If you have an alarm system, make sure it is set and ready to go before you leave. You don’t want to come home to a mess because someone broke in while you were gone. Consider investing in a security system that will alert you if any doors or windows are opened while you’re away. This will give you peace of mind while you’re on vacation and help keep your home safe.
These are just a few things to remember before leaving your house for vacation. By taking the time to do a few simple things, you can help ensure that your home is safe and secure while you’re away. Enjoy your trip, and don’t worry about your home!
