Here’s How to Keep Your Home Safe While Travelling

Vacations are a welcome break from the responsibilities of daily life. Leaving your home unattended for an extended period of time can leave your home susceptible to break-ins, water damage, weather damage, and more. So before embarking on your travels, it’s important to ensure that your home is secure both inside and out. Read on to learn about the home protection measures you can take to keep your abode safe while away.

For extra home protection, place a piece of wood or metal on the track of sliding doors to prevent the doors from being pushed opened. It’s also important to remove spare keys from hiding spots as intruders are aware of homeowners leaving spare keys under rocks, mats, or above door jambs.

Long Term Travel

For long term travel of a month or more, consider renting your home so that it does not appear empty. You have a few options: 

• Consider renting to a friend, colleague, or family member – this helps ensure you rent to someone you know and trust 

• Contact a realtor or place an ad online – this expands your reach, but the process can be time consuming and you may feel uncomfortable renting your home to a stranger 

• Have a friend or family member house sit for you 

• Work with a local agency to hire a professional house sitter

Pet Safety

Pet safety while your away is just as important as home safety and security. Dogs need structure and routine, so it’s best to leave your pooch with a sitter or at a kennel. Cats can be left to their own devices for the most part. Automatic feeders can help, but you may also want to ask a sitter or friend to check in on your feline and clean the litter box. For added safety, place a sign in the window to indicate there are pets in the home in case of an emergency. Smart home security cameras allow you to monitor pets and talk to them via two-way audio.