Summer Vacation Checklist
Security and Safety Checklist that will help you have peace of mind while enjoying your time away.
With the summer season in full swing, many of us are eagerly making plans for a well-deserved vacation. While it’s important to focus on packing essentials, booking accommodations, and planning activities, we must not forget about ensuring the security and safety of our homes during our absence.
1. Lock all doors and windows securely: This may seem obvious, but double-checking that every entry point to your home is locked is crucial. Burglars often look for easy targets with unlocked doors or open windows. This tip also comes into play if your home is currently having a radon test performed because we don’t want outside air interfering with the test. So just to brag a bit, when Curtis Home Inspections combs through your home while inspecting we always double check we locked the doors and windows even if you may not! “I wish all the home inspectors near me would do that!” Touche, homeowner, touche.
2. Install a security system: Consider investing in a reliable home security system if you don’t have one already. Modern systems offer features such as video surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and alarms that can deter potential intruders. Unfortunately, security cameras won’t likely detect intruders like termites or carpenter ants. Only a thorough house inspection, termite inspection or 4 point inspection can detect those home destroying bugs!
3. Notify trusted neighbors or friends: Inform neighbors or close friends about your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious activity. Provide them with emergency contact numbers in case they need to reach you.
4. Use timers for lights and electronics: Set up timers for indoor lights or electronic devices like TVs to create the illusion that someone is at home even when you’re away. This can deter criminals who might be scouting empty houses.
5. Arrange mail/package collection: If you’ll be gone for an extended period, make arrangements to collect mail from your mailbox regularly or ask someone trustworthy to do so on your behalf. Piled-up newspapers or packages left unattended signal an unoccupied house.
6. Pause deliveries/services: Temporarily suspend regular services such as newspaper delivery, lawn maintenance, or cleaning services until you return from vacation.
7.Vehicle precautions:
– Park vehicles inside garages whenever possible.
– Don’t leave spare keys inside parked cars.
– Remove valuable items like GPS devices, laptops, or smartphones from plain sight to discourage break-ins.
8. Unplug unnecessary appliances: To avoid any potential fire hazards or energy wastage, unplug non-essential electrical appliances such as computers, TVs, and kitchen gadgets before leaving. Of course, if you’ll be having any kind of house inspection while you’re gone, like a home inspection, foundation inspection, radon inspection or termite inspection from Curtis Home Inspections, you’ll want to keep those appliances plugged in. I mean, yes, the home inspector needs to inspect the appliances, but we’re not sure what the other inspectors would do with them!
9. Adjust thermostat settings: Depending on the climate in your area, set your thermostat accordingly to save energy while maintaining a safe temperature inside your home.
10. Share emergency contact details: Make sure trusted individuals have access to emergency contact information like local police stations, nearby hospitals, and utility companies in case of any issues that may arise during your absence.
11. Secure outdoor areas: Lock sheds, gates leading into the backyard/front yard if applicable since these are often overlooked but can provide easy access for intruders.
12. Don’t announce vacation plans publicly: While it’s exciting to share our travel plans with friends on social media platforms or leave auto-reply messages on emails and voicemails informing others about our vacation time away – remember that this also informs potential burglars that no one is at home.
13. Check insurance coverage: Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you’re adequately covered in case of theft or damage while you’re away. Consider adding additional coverage if needed.
14. Keep spare keys safely stored: Avoid hiding spare keys outside under doormats or fake rocks; instead, give them to someone trustworthy who can assist if necessary (e.g., neighbors).
15. Protect against fire hazards:
– Ensure all smoke detectors are working correctly.
– Remove flammable materials from around stoves/fireplaces.
– Turn off gas lines if possible (only if you know how) or consider investing in an automatic shut-off valve system for added safety.
By following this summer vacation checklist focused on security and safety measures for your home while you’re away – whether it be a short getaway or an extended trip – you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your vacation fully. With the reassurance that you’ve taken necessary precautions, you can return home with wonderful memories and a secure property waiting for you. And oh, when you return and you begin thinking about selling your home Curtis Home Inspections offers Pre-Listing inspections that help you prepare and avoid those 11th hour surprises when you get the contract underway! If you have any questions about your local certified home inspector, the average home inspection cost, or any testing we do, like radon gas testing, foundation inspections, termite inspections (also known as wdo inspections), thermal imaging or anything else, contact us right away! We go all over Kentucky and Indiana, even when you’re away to some other far off land!