If you’re planning a vacation or a long trip, you’ll naturally want to keep your home from burglars and other criminals while you and your family are away. It goes without saying that you should first inform your trusted friends and neighbours of your trip and the length of your absence. However, telling someone, you trust that you are going on vacation and need their help is not so easy. Here are some practical tips for keeping your home safe while you’re away.
Practical tips to keep your Home Safe
Install an alarm system
It’s hard to say exactly how many burglaries had been deterred by alarm systems, and there are conflicting answers on the Internet. Some burglars don’t want anything to do with alarm systems, and some are happy to stop using specific brands.
- However, while they like alarm systems, most burglars don’t want to get caught.
- Install a security system, preferably one that rings even if you don’t have an electrical outlet.
- Burglars are likely to walk by your house and choose an easier target.
Don’t Advertise Your Absence
Millions of homes are burglarized every year. While there are no guarantees, keeping your plans secret is one of the best ways to avoid becoming a statistic. Avoid unsafe situations where people might notice the house is empty. Ask a neighbour or family member to pick up mail and packages. If you are going to be away for an extended period of time, ask them to maintain the house, such as mowing the lawn or shovelling the snow. Nothing says empty property like overgrown lawns and dark windows.
- If you’ve invested in a home safety security system before your trip, don’t hesitate to throw away the packaging.
- Don’t post the latest upgrade notice on the side of the road.
- And don’t let all your personal documents end up in the trash.
- Shred everything with your name on it, from bank statements to utility bills.
- Keep your vacations a secret, except for some close friends and family.
- Avoid posting details on social media, including the exact date, time, and location, as this could create a timeline for thieves.
- Don’t post photos of yourself online until you get home.
- It may seem funny to post a picture of you feeding howler monkeys in Belize, but burglars only see empty houses.
Installing security cameras
Security cameras are a classic way to protect all types of buildings, including single-family homes and gated communities. Even if you miss a crime, these cameras will record it in most cases. They monitor your home safe and its surroundings 24/7. Choose a high-resolution camera to get a clear picture of when a crime occurs. The new cameras can now be accessed via your cell phone, allowing you to monitor your home remotely.
Secure the doors
The most important thing is to lock or secure all doors in the house. If doors and windows are loose, they are easy prey for burglars. It is important always to check that door and window locks are in good working order. Inspect doors promptly to ensure that they are not weakened. Today, many homes have opted for new, modern sliding doors, but they are not strong enough to keep your home safe from burglars. Switching to traditional doors is a better option, as they are more robust and more secure.
Take care of your electrical equipment
And don’t forget to unplug electrical appliances when you go on a long-term paid vacation. Unplug expensive electrical appliances like televisions, computers, toasters, and microwaves. This is done to avoid electrical surges. Many people have surge protectors in their homes, but if something goes wrong and you can’t fix it on the spot, your home is in great danger.
Invest in a backup power supply
Without electricity, your home is an easy target. Without electricity, any innovative automation systems you have will be useless. Also, due to climate change, we can no longer rely on expected weather patterns. Even without the threat of a break-in, a home without electricity is a disaster waiting for you when you return. Refrigerators have become scientific laboratories.
- In winter, when there is no heat, pipes can freeze and burst.
- Lack of fresh air can lead to mould growth, and lack of electricity can cause massive problems.
- Keep your home by investing in a backup generator, especially one that is CARB compliant.
- These generators use high-quality components, have low emissions, and are safe for the home.
- Of course, they must be installed correctly, or they will not work properly.
- Make sure the generator’s output matches your needs.
- Home standby generators can generate up to 20,000 watts of electricity, which is enough to power an entire home.
- They can also be sized to power only lighting and security systems while you are away.
Home automation
Sometimes when you’re rushing to work and forget to close doors and windows or turn on home sensors, this is the ideal option. Locks, doors, lights, sensors, and fans can access and controlled remotely. The most important feature of this system is that it can use from anywhere at any time, even if you are not physically present.
Locking of warehouses and garages
If you have a garage or carport, you may store bikes, tools, cars, or other expensive items. It is also essential to keep all windows closed so that no one can see you.
The need for insurance
Insurance is helpful for people who want to protect themselves, their families, and their property from financial risk and loss.
- Insurance plans can help pay for medical emergencies, hospital admissions, illness and treatment, and future medical needs.
- Financial losses incurred by the family due to the unexpected death of the sole caregiver can cover by insurance. It can also help the family pay off mortgages and other debts incurred by the insured person during their lifetime.
- In the future, when you are no longer around, an insurance plan can help maintain the family’s standard of living. This allows the family’s operating expenses to get coverage by a lump sum payment from the insurance. Insurance benefits give your family a break they need and cover all costs in the event of the insured person’s death/accident/emergency medical needs.
- Insurance plans can help protect your children’s educational future. They ensure that your children are financially secure and can pursue their dreams and ambitions without compromise, even when you are not around.
- Many insurance plans include savings and investment plans in addition to regular insurance. These plans help you build and save for the future with traditional investments. You pay regular premiums, some of which go to life insurance and some to savings and investment plans, which you choose based on your future goals and needs.
- Insurance can keep your home safe in the event of a disaster or unexpected damage. Homeowners insurance covers damage to your home and helps you pay for repairs and rebuilding. If you have insurance for the valuables in your home, you can use the insured amount to purchase replacement items.
Bottom line
Homeowners insurance has designed to keep your home safe from unforeseen events. And it’s often required for mortgages. Without insurance, you may have to pay for replacement or repairs if something happens to your home or household goods. For example, if it has damaged by fire or flood, or if it is stolen.
Author Bio
Lily Poole is a Property and house insurance Jamaica officer by profession. She is pretty well experienced in the insurance and accounting field and has an impressive profile in the training and development industry.
