October 4, 2023

When you head out on a vacation, you should be totally free from worries. That's why it's a good idea to prepare your home for an extended absence so you can head out of town knowing you'll have a smooth return.

The following checklist will help to make sure that everything in your home will remain safe and in good condition while you're away.

Why Is It Important To Prepare Your Home For Vacation?

First and foremost, you get to fully relax and enjoy your trip without constantly worrying about the safety and security of your home. Taking the time to secure your property and belongings reduces the risk of break-ins or damage, as a well-prepared home is less likely to attract the attention of potential intruders. Simple measures like locking all doors and windows, setting up timers for lights, and having a trusted neighbor check on your home can significantly decrease the chances of unfortunate incidents occurring while you're away. Additionally, ensuring that appliances and electronics are turned off helps prevent accidents and saves energy during your absence. Ultimately, a well-prepared home sets the stage for a worry-free and enjoyable vacation.

Make It Look Like Someone Is Home To Discourage Burglars

Making your house look occupied when you're away, through strategies like leaving lights on, using timers for electronics, and having a neighbor collect mail, can deter potential thieves by creating the illusion that someone is present, making your home a less appealing target and increasing the chances that they will move on to an easier opportunity.

• Hold mail and newspapers by scheduling a Hold Service with USPS. They'll hold your mail safely at your local post office until your return. You can also ask a friendly neighbor to retrieve your mail and newspapers for you.

• Leave on a light or two if leaving for a short trip. For longer trips, put at least one light in your house on a timer. This will make your house look occupied.

• Schedule lawn maintenance if leaving for an extended trip. This will keep your grass from appearing overgrown and, therefore, unmonitored.

• Avoid sharing your travel plans or extended absence on social media or other public platforms. Broadcasting your absence could alert potential burglars to an empty home.

• If possible, leave a car parked in the driveway to give the impression that someone is home. This can deter burglars who might be watching for signs of an empty house.

• Install visible security measures such as motion sensor lights, security cameras, or a visible alarm system.

  These act as a deterrent and signal to potential burglars that the house is not an easy target.

• Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before leaving. Consider reinforcing entry points with sturdy locks and deadbolts to make it harder for anyone to break in.

Avoid Potential Electrical Or Plumbing Problems And Save Money By Unplugging

Leaving unattended appliances running poses significant risks, such as the potential for electrical fires or water damage from malfunctioning equipment. Additionally, it can lead to a needless waste of energy and increased utility bills, especially if the appliances serve no practical purpose while you're away. Taking the time to switch off and unplug non-essential appliances before leaving for an extended period can help mitigate these risks and save on energy costs.

• Unplug electronics that are unnecessary while you're away, such as your coffee maker or TV.

• Turn off water to the dishwasher, washing machine, and all sinks. This can help you avoid coming home to a flooding disaster.

• Set your thermostat to a temperature closer to outside temps so the air conditioner or heater won't waste energy by running in an empty home. Keep the temperature within a range that will protect your plants, pets, and furniture during extreme temps.

• Inspect your plumbing system for any leaks before leaving. Fixing leaks early can prevent water damage and conserve water, resulting in lower water bills.

• Consider investing in a leak detection system that can alert you if a water leak occurs while you're away. Some systems can automatically shut off the water supply to minimize damage.

Prepare Your Home For The Elements

Preparing your home for weather-related damage is essential to safeguard your property and ensure the safety of your family during extreme weather events. Taking proactive measures, such as securing windows, reinforcing doors, and maintaining the structural integrity of your home, can help minimize the impact of severe weather conditions and provide much-needed protection against potential damage.

• Bring inside or secure outdoor furniture, garden tools, and other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds or storms.

• Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent water backups and potential water damage during heavy rainfall.

• Check your roof for any loose or damaged shingles. Repairing these issues before you leave will prevent potential leaks during storms.

• If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or strong winds, consider installing storm shutters to protect windows from damage.

• Trim overhanging branches and limbs near your home. This reduces the risk of them falling during storms and causing damage to your property.

• If your area is prone to flooding, consider installing a sump pump in your basement to remove excess water and prevent damage.

Other Things To Consider Doing Before Your Vacation:

• Test your smoke detectors and make sure they're working properly.

• Clean out your fridge and dispose of any food in your kitchen that could go bad before you return from vacation.

• Take out the trash. Trust us, this one is important!

• Water your plants if leaving for a short trip. For extended vacations, arrange for a friend or neighbor to water your plants.

• Inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your vacation plans. Provide them with contact information in case of emergencies, and ask them to keep an eye on your home.

• Store valuable items like jewelry, important documents, and expensive electronics in a safe or a secure location within your home.

• Ensure that your garbage disposal is clean and free from any food residues to prevent foul odors and potential plumbing issues during your vacation.

• Inform your home security company about your travel dates to ensure they are aware of your absence and can take appropriate measures to monitor your property more closely during that time.

Keep Your Home Safe and Secure While You're Away

Taking the necessary steps to prepare your home for a vacation could save you both money and stress while setting you up for a smooth arrival as you return home and readjust to the real word. The unexpected can always happen, even when you're checked out on vacation. We recommend still having an extra layer of protection for the things you can't always control by getting homeowners insurance. Contact Farm Bureau Insurance today, or go see your local agent to discuss your coverage options.