Going on vacation is the highlight of the year for most people, the opportunity to get away and relax for a week or two is just what you need to unwind. However, while you’re away, you need to know that your home will be safe and secure. Although you might think that simply turning things off and locking the doors is enough, there are other things that you need to do to ensure that no-one enters your home while you are away.
Pet Feeders
Your pets like to be fed at certain times of the day, but while you are away, you want to know that they are still getting the food they need. If you are going away for a few days, then something like a smart pet feeder can be vital. The food is kept in a container that is attached to a bowl; then, then you get to feeding time, you can control how much food they are given. The best part is that you can do all this from your mobile phone. If you are traveling for more than a couple of days, then it is best that you find someone to look after them for you.
Security Systems
One way that you can protect your home while you’re away is with a security system. There are many security systems that work similarly, and some of them you can install yourself. With some units, the sensors together with the main unit are wireless, so they only need to be stuck into position. By adding sensors to your rooms and your windows, you can be alerted if anyone tries to break in. Most alarm systems will trigger a call or an alert to the police or your security company; they will then come to investigate the alarm. The only issue with movement sensors is if you have pets in the house as they can set them off. Some of the more sophisticated alarms have settings that can adjust for this.
Lighting
While you are away, you should be aware of people that might be looking at the houses in your area. Burglars are good at looking for properties that don’t show signs of life. It is important that you try to make it seem that there is someone in the house, especially in the evenings. One way you can do this is to have remote controlled lights placed around the house. Some of them work on a timer system that will turn them on and off at certain times you select. There are others such as the Z-Wave wall switch that is controlled by your phone, so you can make the lights come on and off at more random times. If you have lighting outside your house, then it is important to keep it on at night, not only will this make your home appear occupied, it will also deter thieves from being spotted.
Thermostats
Even though there will be no-one in the house, you still need to keep your thermostat working. If it is in the winter, then you need to keep your pipes warm, so they don’t freeze while you’re away. Some companies offer their own smart versions, which replace your existing wired thermostat. You can set the temperature you want and program it just as you would a traditional thermostat. However, these smart types can also let you control your heating from your phone. It makes things easier for you as you can pre-set it to a low temperature before you leave knowing that it will keep your house warm.
Asking a Neighbor
Many people when they go on vacation, will ask a neighbor to look after their house for them. It can be one of the best ways to look after your house, as they can alert you to things that are wrong, and it makes the house look occupied. You need to have neighbors that you trust, and ones that you know will be available to go in the house for you, especially if you have pets to feed. Ask them to turn on the lights for you in the evenings, and to take in your mail, as these things can be noticed by thieves. You can also ask them to take in any packages for you, so they are not left on the porch or on the side of the house.
House Sitter
Some people like to take things a stage further and have someone live in their house while they are away. Although you can get professional house sitters, most people prefer to use a member of the family. Again, this is a great idea to help keep the place occupied and is also the best option for houses with pets. Typically, the homeowner will leave food and provisions for the house sitter as a way of rewarding them for staying. If you do have pets, then you need to make sure they are happy to take care of them, and that your animals know and trust them. You also need to make your neighbors aware so that they don’t get concerned.
Repairs to Your Home
If there is anything around your home that needs to be repaired, then you should think about getting this done before you go away. It can be especially important when it comes to things like broken windows or sticking door locks. You don’t want to give burglars any easy access to your home, so getting these done is a wise precaution. Similarly, you don’t want to schedule any work to be done while you’re away. Even if you have a neighbor helping you, you don’t want people to know the house is empty.
Although it might seem scary to make all of these provisions, it will ensure that your home is as safe as possible while you’re not there. You can then go on vacation safe in the knowledge that your home is being well looked after.