Going on vacation for the holidays can be a fun and exciting time. Coming home to property damage, vandalism or theft can ruin that for you. Below we list some easy tips for protecting your Houston home while you’re away!
Tip #1 If you have a security system, don’t forget to arm it! Nothing is worse then having something bad happen when it could have been prevented. Also, let your security company know you are going to be out of town.
Tip #2 Use timers to have your lights come on when it gets dark, inside and out. It may not prevent a break-in but it will make your Houston home a less desirable target.
Tip #3 Stop newspaper delivery and have the post office hold your mail until you return. Piles of newspapers and an overflowing mailbox are sure signs that no one is home.
Tip #4 To avoid water damage from frozen pipes bursting, leave at least one faucet dripping. Freezing temps can cause pipes to freeze and then burst so this simple step can save you from coming home to a flood. We will discuss winterizing your Houston home in a post next week.
Tip #5 Store valuables in a safe in your home or rent a safety deposit box. If your Houston home is broken into, this will minimize the financial loss you incur.
Tip #6 Turn off power strips or unplug electronic devices. Not only will this save electricity but it could also avoid a power surge that could damage your devices or potentially start a fire. Electronic devices would include DVD players, receivers, televisions, computers, DVRs and stereos.
Tip #7 Don’t post vacation photos or check-ins while you’re out of town and don’t announce your trip ahead of time. This means Facebook, Twitter, your personal blog or anywhere else that might be considered public. Criminals watch these places and are just waiting for the right opportunity.
Tip #8 Close the blinds. You don’t want it to look like no one is home but you also want to minimize the ability to see inside your home.
Tip #9 If you have a trusted neighbor, let them know you’re leaving town and ask them to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity around your home. Make sure they know how to get in touch with you in case of an emergency.
Tip #10 Trim bushes and shrubs, especially those around windows and other entrances to your home. Burglars can use overgrown landscaping to hide while they pry open a window.
