10 Tips To Help You Protect Your Home While On Vacation

How can you protect your home from becoming one of the 2.5 million burglaries a year while you're on vacation?

Burst water pipes and electrical fires are among the top five leading causes of home damage. And if you're not there to stop the problem before it escalates, your home is at risk. Read on to discover how to protect your home while you're away.

1. Lock all windows and doors before you leave

Almost 30% of burglars enter through an unlocked door or window. It may seem obvious, but locking your doors and windows is your first line of defense. A few weeks before your vacation, check all your doors and windows lock securely. If there are any weaknesses, hire a locksmith to replace your locks.

2. Install a home security system

Did you know that properties without a home security system are 300% more likely to get broken into? Many systems offer remote access, so you can keep an eye on your property while kicking back on vacation.

3. Highlight your home security

Advertising your home security system could deter as many as 60% of potential burglaries. Posting stickers stating you have home security systems near obvious entry points could make a significant difference. Amateurs commit 85% of burglaries. They'll likely think your property is more trouble than it's worth if they see you have installed a home security system.

4. Secure your garage

Many homeowners forget that the garage is a potential weak spot. While you might focus on securing the rest of the building, leaving your garage unsecured could be your downfall. Consider installing motion detector lights around the garage, ensuring the service door is locked, and hiding valuables.

Moreover, hide your garage door remote (if you keep it in your car on your driveway) to prevent burglars from opening your garage and entering your house.

5. Make friends with your neighbors

Enlisting neighbors to keep an eye on your home could help protect your home. Ask your neighbor to collect mail and newspapers, and keep your front yard tidy while you're away. Mail building up is a clear sign that you're not home. You could even ask them to park their car on your driveway now and then to make your home look occupied.

6. Don't advertise your valuables

Hide and lock your valuables away in a waterproof and fireproof safe. If you have a large TV, expensive computer, and other valuables visible through windows, you're broadcasting your wealth, attracting burglaries.

Draw your blinds and hide away your valuables so people cannot see them from the street. Consider keeping valuables in a safe if an intruder enters your home.

7. Use light timers while you're away

Light timers are an easy, affordable, and effective way to deter criminals. Choose a timer that randomly turns your lights on and off, making it difficult for burglars to determine whether the property is empty or not.

8. Unplug any unnecessary devices

Burglaries aren't the only potential risk to your home while on vacation. Home electrical fires cause around 51,000 fires annually. You'll want to keep your refrigerator and freezer plugged in. However, unplug your microwave, kettle, toaster, television, chargers, and computers. Unplugging your appliances will reduce your utility bill and prevent avoidable damage.

9. Protect your plumbing

Plumbing leaks and pipe bursts can cause significant damage. Flooding could destroy your home and belongings if you're not there to take action in a plumbing emergency. Most water heaters have a vacation mode.

Meanwhile, you risk freezing and bursting pipes if you live in a cold climate. If you can turn your water off, do so. Make sure you open all the faucets to empty the pipes. Plus, be sure to the foundations of your building, such as underpinning, to ensure that your property is safe and haphazard-free.

10. Have a friend house sit

Get a trusted friend to house sit. Please give them a tempting offer, such as stocking up your fridge with treats and letting them look after your home while you're not there. If you can't find anyone willing to move into your property temporarily, ask if they will pop in from time to time or drive past.