6 Tips to Protect Your Vacant Home While on Vacation
When going on vacation, people get so excited for a break from work, school, and other responsibilities that sometimes they forget about securing their home while they are away. Here are six tips to keep your vacant home secure while you are away on your much-deserved vacation.
1. Keep Your Curtains Closed
Although you may want to allow your home to soak up some natural sunlight while you are on vacation, keep your blinds and drapes closed to prevent leaving a welcome invitation for burglars. Some burglars camp out in different neighborhoods waiting for a sign of a vacant home, and open blinds or curtains are one way a burglar can look into your home and showcase all of your belongings.
2. Set Timers for Lights and Electronics
Timers are like magical devices that help to deceive robbers. Never leave your lights and television on the entire time you are gone on vacation. This is an obvious sign that no one is home. Instead, put your lights, televisions, and other electronics on timers. By doing this, it is difficult to tell if someone is home or whether they are on vacation. Burglars will assume someone is home and more than likely pass by your home without giving it a second thought.
3. Have A Plan for Your Mail
Nothing screams vacant home like a mailbox crammed full of mail. You can ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail while you are gone, or have the post office keep your mail until you return. Many important documents are sent via postal mail, and the last thing you want to happen is for your home to be burglarized and to become a victim of identity theft on top of that.
4. Do Not Broadcast Your Trip
Some things are better left unsaid, and when and where you are taking your vacation is one of those things. You may want to share your trip with friends and family, and with social media it’s easier to do than it has ever been, but avoid telling the world and potential burglars about your whereabouts. Call your friends and family instead of making a post on a social media site. Take as many pictures as your heart desires, but do not post them on any social media sites until you are home from your trip.
5. Purchase a Security System
A security system will add an extra layer of protection for your home and give you peace of mind. There are many different types of security systems you can choose from, and you do not have to choose the most expensive security system to have adequate security. Since you are on vacation, you may feel safer with a security system that allows you to control certain features of your home from your smartphone, including turning the lights on and off, controlling the thermostat and locks of your home, and allowing you access to view each room in your home via a camera on your smartphone.
6. Make Sure You’re Covered
In any event, make sure your home and belongings are covered with home insurance. You never know when a mishap will occur, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. Ramey King Insurance has many different insurance packages to choose from to fit your lifestyle and budget. Do not underestimate the importance of home insurance.
It is good to seek the advice of your agent should you have any questions or concerns. To learn more about Ramey King, what we do, and how our services can be of benefit to you, give us a call today. You can reach a Ramey King Insurance agent at 800-453-9691, by emailing info@rameyking.com or by filling out the quick and easy form on this page. We look forward to hearing from you!