Vacation Security Tips
VACATION SECURITY TIPS
Getting ready to head out on vacation this year? You’ve probably already planned for what you’re packing, how you’re getting there, hotels, activities and everything else you need to have a great time. However, you may be forgetting one essential element: securing your home. Nothing can bring a fun vacation to a screeching halt quicker than finding out you’ve had a break-in, or that there’s been damage from fire or water while you were gone. Follow these security tips to ensure you’re doing everything you can to come back to a settled situation.
Check all door and window locks a few weeks before your vacation.
Is that front door lock a little loose? Have a window that just won’t close all the way that you’ve been ignoring? Make a note of these things a few weeks before your vacation so you can submit a service request to your apartment community maintenance department in a timely manner. Having these items fixed can help to secure your home against break-ins and theft.
Make sure the batteries in your smoke alarm are up to date.
If you’re not already checking the batteries on your smoke alarm on a regular basis, you should be. However, getting a check in before leaving for vacation is crucial. Test your batteries to ensure they’re working properly a few days before you leave.
Think about your pets.
If you’re not boarding your pets while you’re on vacation, you’ll need to make arrangements for a trusted neighbor or a professional pet sitter to look in on them daily. Make sure they know the contact details for your veterinarian, as well as emergency contact numbers for you. Additionally, register for a free pet safety pack from the ASPCA, which includes an animal rescue window decal to alert emergency services that there is a pet inside.
Get some timers.
Timers are a great way to make it look like you’re at home even when you’re not, and better yet, they’re a fairly cheap investment. Simply plug the timer into your wall socket, set the times you’d like the power to go on and off, and plug in your light, TV or even a radio.
Let your property manager know you’ll be away.
Giving your property manager a head’s up that you’re going to be out of town for awhile is never a bad idea. If they’re aware you’re gone, they will be able to be more proactive should they see activity around your home.
Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your place for you.
If you’ve lived in your community for awhile, chances are you’ve made friends with a few neighbors who would be happy to keep an eye on your place for you. This can be particularly helpful for emergency situations where quick reactions are a necessity, such as smoke coming from your home. Make sure your trusted neighbors know when you’re going to be gone and how to contact you. Let them know you’re happy to return the favor when they head out on vacation.
Hot Tip: Make sure your renters insurance policy is up to date, too: it protects your valuables from water damage, fire, theft and the great unexpected. This might be especially important for senior apartments, which can hold more valuable belongings.
If you’re headed off to a well-earned vacation, security for your home is probably the last thing you want to think about. However, taking a few precautions prior to leaving can make your arrival home that much better.