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Unplug and Save Unplugging electronics and appliances before going on vacation will not only save energy, but save you money as well. It can also prevent the possibility of a short circuit while you are gone. Remember to also turn off the gas and water valves that are connected to major appliances such as the washer, dryer, and water heater. If a natural disaster, such as earthquakes, were to strike while you were on vacation, this can help prevent any additional damages in your home.
Tell Someone You Trust About Your Vacation Plans If there is an alarm system in place, you should notify your alarm company that monitors the system that you will be away and for how long. Make sure that the alarm system is enabled upon leaving. On the other hand, if you are without an alarm system in place let a trustworthy friend or neighbor know that you will be away and ask them to keep an eye on or and check your property on a regular basis. Leave a spare key, alarm codes, any important instructions and contact information in case of emergency.
Keep Important Items and Documents Safe Bring all valuable items and important documents to a local safe deposit box or place in a personal fireproof safe. This will ensure that unfortunate events will keep these personal belongings and credentials safe and away from possible damage or loss.
Setup timers for Lights While on vacation, some homeowners like to leave a few interior lights turned on to deter burglars and give the impression that someone is home. If you plan on doing this, make sure to install a timer system so that the lights will turn on and off at certain times of the day. This will not only save energy and money, but also keep your lights from overheating which could spark a fire within your home.
Fire Sprinklers and Exterior House Alarm If you have fire sprinklers installed in your home, test them to make sure they are working along with your smoke alarms. If you have an exterior house alarm, test the bell to make sure it’s working. It’s imperative to test each of these systems on a regular basis to ensure their effectiveness in keeping your home safe while you are away. If you are unsure, make sure to replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and make sure to dispose of the them properly.
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