Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While You Are Away 

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Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While You Are Away on Winter Vacation  

 

Getting ready for a winter vacation always fills our heart with joy! We literally pack everything! Clothes? Check! Accessories? Right in! Gloves and Scarfs? Check! 

However, sometimes we do miss some points on the checklist before we head out. And that is- “Protecting our Home while we are away.” 

When you have planned your winter vacation itinerary and packed your bags, you still need to consider how to best protect your home while on vacation. Of course, we never expect that something bad will happen while we are away, but it is always best to be prepared, just in case.  

You should do everything you can to make it look like there are still people and signs of activity in the home or your home is being watched by someone you trust.  

In addition to this, apart from securing the house from any criminals, we also need to secure our house from the winter conditions.  

So, check out the following ways to keep your home safe while you are on your winter vacation: 

#1: Prep the Plumbing 

Before heading out for your vacation, make sure to drain the water from your outdoor faucets and garden hoses. Also, arrange to have any in-ground sprinkler pipes blown out. Identify any “problem” pipes. Such pipes are prone to freezing in the house and may cause huge plumbing issues while you are not home. You can use heat tape to keep them warm during extremely cold.  

#2: Seal all the Leaks 

Add worn weather stripping around the doors and windows and caulk any gaps and if you have already done that, check if they need any replacement. For pipes or ducts travelling through an exterior wall, use caulking and weather-stripping around all entry points.  

#3: Clean the Gutters 

Clean the gutters if they are clogged. Yes, before heading out for your winter vacation, it’s time to clear out those gutters. Blocked gutters can flood your home’s foundation, causing damage. You can do it yourself or hire someone.  

#4: Keep Bushes, and Shrubs Trimmed and Clear 

Bushes or shrubs which are overgrown or snow-covered serve as a perfect hiding spot for burglars. So, trim them before you are gone. Also, keep garden tools like shovels, and other equipment out of sight. Or else, someone with negative intentions may use them to break a window or open a door. 

#5: Prune Bigger Trees Around the House 

If there are long tree branches hanging near your house or your roof, prune them before you go out for that winter vacation. Broken branches can cause all kinds of damage to your home. But a few hours with the pruner before you go, can later save you thousands of rupees in damages control. 

#6: Replace any Burnt-out Outdoor Lights 

If you have your individual bungalow with a garden (not an Apartment style home), turn on all the exterior lights of your home and take a walk around your property before you go. Identify the dim or completely dark areas, and replace those bulbs. Make sure all lights are working properly including the garden lights, side entrance lights, driveway lights etc.  

#7: Get a Property Insurance 

Another important parameter that will ensure to keep your home safe when you are out enjoying your vacation is property insurance. Let’s say, you have taken all the required measure, but in spite of that there is a fire or any weather damage, property insurance will come to your rescue.  

For most of us, buying or building our dream home is probably the biggest and most expensive investment we ever make, and it is vital that our investment is fully protected. So, why not secure our investment with the aid of property insurance. 

Home insurance in India provides coverage against most risks to property, such as fire, theft and weather damage. It is said that “Prevention is better than cure”, so why take the risk? The cost of home insurance in India often depends on what it would cost to replace the house and which additional items are insured.  

If you are on your vacation, and anything bad happens, like the contents of the house are stolen. In such case, your property insurance will cover portable components of the house by providing you with the financial assistance to replace those lost or damaged contents. While insuring your property, you can choose the areas that need to be covered. 

Some additional precautions: 

• Consider unplugging the computer, TV, stereo and other electronics to prevent damage from power surges 
• Try not to post your vacation plans on Facebook, Twitter, or on the Internet at all 
• Have a security system in place 
• Remember to lock all your doors, windows, and even your garage 

• Place your valuable jewellery, extra cash or other valuables in a safe deposit box or a secure hidden safe within the house 
• Do not leave your spare keys outside the house, although you can leave one with your trusted friend or neighbour 

The Final Word:  

Always be Prepared for the Worst! 

No matter how many precautions we take, it is still possible that something could happen while we are away. To secure your home from any unpleasant experience, you should definitely buy a property insurance policy. If you already have a policy, you might want to check your insurance policy and its renewal before leaving.  

Taking all of the precautions will ensure that you have much less chance of a weather damage or robbery happening while you are away. But if the worst occurs, you will be better prepared to deal with the situation with the help of a property insurance!