Keeping Your Home Safe On Holiday

By Author: Erik Sulivan
Total Articles: 43
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If you are in the process of Holiday comparison and making plans to travel, then it is important that you remember the security of your home in those plans. Listed here are some great ideas that will help you protect your home from intrusions and other emergencies.
Board Your Pets
No matter how docile your cat or dog seems to be when you are at home, leaving these pets alone for an extended period of time can take a toll on their temperament. If you choose not to board your pets, you should have someone you trust visit them at least three times daily to provide food and clean water, litter box cleaning and bathroom trips. Boarding your pet is the best idea, however, as this will ensure that your dog or cat will receive the best loving care possible in your absence.
Security Lights and Cameras
These days, there is plenty of technology that can help you protect your home while you are on vacation. You can use the webcams on your laptop and desktop computers as security cameras. Simply download your choice ...
... of software, ensure that the cameras are up and running, then check your ability to view the cameras remotely from anywhere with an internet connection—including your mobile phone. There are also gadgets and applications that allow you to randomly turn lights throughout the home off and on at various times of the day, making your home look lived-in when you are not there.
Stay Hush-Hush in Public
While it is highly unlikely that you would venture off on Azores holidays or Bahamas vacations without telling your sister, mother or best friend, you should be very careful about the announcements you make in public—including at work, on social media websites, and even in restaurants. Criminals have learned to take cues from homeowners, and when they learn that you will be away from home for a period of time, your home becomes an instant target. For this reason, wait until you return to post your beautiful vacation snapshots on Facebook.
Unplug
One of the things that many people forget when they leave home is the process of unplugging all of their electronics. While the likelihood that a fire will result from anything that is left plugged in is slim, there is no need to take that chance. Besides, many of today's gadgets draw energy even when they are powered off, so unplugging while you are on holiday will save you money—and it is better for the environment.
Hire a House Sitter
If taking all of the above precautions seems like a little much, another option available to you involves hiring a house sitter. While there are commercial companies out there that will provide this service, many people feel more comfortable when they ask a friend or family member instead. In fact, these people may be happy to house sit for you free of charge as it constitutes a mini-holiday of sorts for them, as well. While it is easy to get caught up in the tasks of reserving hotel rooms, participating in flight comparison and speaking with travel agents, you should never forget these basic precautions when you leave home on vacation.