Going on Vacation? Keep Your Home Safe

Ahhhhh, vacation… time to unwind and get away from the day-to-day grind. But nothing kills that relaxed state of mind like coming home to a house that has been burglarized or damaged. If you’re planning to be away during this traditionally busy vacation week, you can take a few simple steps to help ensure that your home stays safe while you’re gone.

Don’t Let Your Mail and Newspapers Pile Up. “Nothing says you’re away like a pile of newspapers,” says Sergeant Leonard Caponigro of the Meriden Police Department. If you don’t want to let potential thieves know you’re gone, have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper. Or stop delivery until you return. You can often do that right online.

Put Your Lights on Timers. A house that stays dark all week or an outside light that remains on all day can also be a clue that you’re away. So can garbage containers left out for days or an unmowed lawn.

Keep a Car Parked in the Driveway. If you don’t leave a car in your driveway, ask a neighbor to park there while you’re gone.

Don’t Put It on Facebook! We all want to tell our friends about our vacation plans, but when it comes to social media like Facebook and Twitter, it’s not a good idea to let people know that your house will be empty. So wait until you get back to share the news. That way you can post pictures, too.

Have Someone Watch Your House. Leave a key and your vacation contact information with a friend, neighbor or family member and ask this trusted person to keep an eye on the house for you.

Shut Off the Water Supply. If one of your washing machine or dishwasher hoses bursts, you’ll have a flood on your hands. The average cost of a homeowner’s insurance claim for damage caused by a washer is more than $5,000, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

Put Away Lawn Furniture. Bikes, awnings, lawn chairs and outdoor toys can damage windows and siding if picked up by a strong wind. Secure them before you leave.

Unplug Small Appliances. Walk through your home one last time to make sure you turned off your coffee pot, iron, and any other small appliances that could start a fire.

Got it all covered? Great! Now have a safe and happy vacation!