Vacation-Proof Your Home
When planning a vacation, you are almost always considering what clothes to pack or booking a place to stay. But while you are away, you need to make sure that your home will be safe from burglars or thieves who may target an empty home. Before you pack up and leave for your vacation, there are some things you need to prepare to adequately protect your home. We have created a quick checklist with top tips on how to vacation-proof your home.
Plants and Pets
Something that you will need to prepare depending on the length of your holiday is the care for your pets and indoor plants while you are away. If you ask someone to stop by and water your indoor ferns, you will need to let them know how to get in and lock up once they leave.
With keypad door locks, you can create special codes that your friend or pet sitter can use for the week. Once you are back, you can easily change the door code so that only you have access to your home. Alternatively, smart locks can also allow you to unlock your door remotely from your smartphone, so you know when someone is coming or going.
FSS Technologies offers zWave locks or smart locks from Yale, Kwikset, and Schlag.
Unplug and Shut Off
To keep your property safe from any electrical fires or sparks that may turn into flames, unplug the electronics in your home and turn off the lights. This is also a simple way to save on your electricity bill while you are not there. Double-check that electronics like curling irons are unplugged before you leave.
Depending on the weather of the area you live in, you may choose to shut off your water to avoid any leaky faucets from exacerbating your water bill while you are away. If you live in a cold area and are worried about frozen pipes bursting, open up your cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate, disconnect your hose from the outside faucet, and install heat tape around any exposed pipes.
Don’t Brag About Your Trip… Yet
Sharing on social media that you will be on an extended holiday can make your vacated home a target. Wait until you return to share updates from your trip. As a bonus, time unplugged from social media can be a great way to de-stress.
Automate Your Home
To maintain a reasonable temperature inside your home, a smart thermostat can control the heating and air conditioning automatically. This is an excellent option for those with pets, plants, or pipes you need to keep warm in the winter.
Similarly, smart light controls allow you to turn on and off some of the lights in your home to create the illusion that someone is home. This is a simple but effective way to deter potential thieves or home invaders.
Lock Everything
From your windows to your doors, ensure that every opening to your home is completely locked. This will prevent someone from gaining easy, unforced access to your home and your belongings.
Monitor Your Home
With FSS Technologies’ home security systems, we can help give you the peace of mind you need to fully relax on your trip. We can help you create a residential security package that suits your needs and is customized to your home.
Video doorbells allow you to see who is at your front door, and the Alarm.com mobile app gives you complete access to your security system—from anywhere in the world.
If you are looking to fully unplug or will be in a place without internet access, you should consider home monitoring services offered by many security companies.
Home monitoring means that you have a 24/7 team of security experts ensuring that your home is safe. With FSS Technologies, our highly trained team is immediately notified when an alarm is triggered and they take the proper steps based on your system requirements to make sure your home is safe for you when you get back.
For help vacation-proofing your home, call our experts at FSS Technologies.
Explore Our Other Blogs
How Your Internet Speed Affects Your Security System
Internet speed is a precious commodity in today’s connected homes. Internet speed is responsible for how quickly or slowly data moves from the internet to the application on your computer. Things like your mobile phone, television, computer, gaming system, and even appliances use the internet. And your home security system probably does too. The average…
The Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
Low-Crime Neighborhoods of Detroit SafeWise released its rankings of Michigan’s 20 Safest Cities of 2021. On the 2021 list, 9 of the 20 cities are considered suburbs of Detroit. They include: Gross Ile Township #3 Oakland Township #4 Huntington Woods #9 South Lyon #13 Addison Township #16 Highland Township #17 Rochester #18 Berkley #19 Brandon Township…
5 Ways Your DIY Security System is Failing You
In the digital age, DIY projects are the rage in all things, including home security. People turn to DIY home security because it seems easy and can save you a few bucks. Unfortunately, you really do get what you pay for if you choose a DIY security system. Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or…
Everything You Need to Know About Carbon Monoxide Detectors
What is a Carbon Monoxide Detector? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid that is poisonous to humans. Detectors are designed to identify carbon monoxide leaks and warn those in your home or business. This advanced warning can save lives as it allows you to get outside as fast as…
Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?
The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…
Best Security System Setups for Senior Citizens
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of senior citizens want to stay in their homes as they age even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unfortunately, criminals often target senior citizens as victims. Thieves assume older people will not be able…
Will Renter’s Insurance Give a Discount if You Have a Security System?
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…
3 Ways Security Contracts Help You
Are Contracts Required with All Security Companies? No. Not all security companies require a contract, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a no-contract company is a better option. There are pros and cons to contracts. The key is to know what you are paying for in a contract and details about the reputation of the company. …
How Do Wireless Doorbells Work?
A doorbell is a pretty self-explanatory tool—you press the button outside, and a chime goes off inside, alerting the homeowner that someone is at the front door. Like everything else, though, today’s technology has brought even the humble doorbell into the limelight as an indispensable tool for convenience and security. Pros and Cons of Wireless…
5 Reasons Why You Need a Home Security System
A home security system protects your home and the ones you love. While there are many reasons you may need to invest in a home security system, we have highlighted some key ones: 1. Peace of Mind Have you heard a noise in the night and ever wondered what made the noise? A home security…