Summer vacation season is upon us! Where are you heading off to for sun, fun and family time? Before you go here’s some friendly advice so that you don’t have an unhappy homecoming.
Social No-Nos
While it is tempting to post photos of you and the fam living it up on the beach, at the Eiffel Tower or at Disney World – DON’T! You are inviting thieves to break in because they know your house is empty. Wait until you are back to share the good times on your socials.
The Grass is Not Greener
If you will be gone long enough for the grass and shrubs to become overgrown, hire a lawn service to come by and cut it, do a little weeding, and make sure the sprinklers are not malfunctioning or leaking while you are gone. Over-grown lawns are thief magnets.
Be Neighborly
Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up any packages or flyers on your doorstep and offer to do the same for them. Give them a key (and the code to the alarm) and ask them to check around inside once in a while too. If you don’t normally keep your blinds and curtains closed all the time, don’t leave them like that while on vacation. Ask that friendly neighbor to open and close.
Water Parks Not Water Damage While On Vacation
Even with indoor cameras, it is unlikely you will be able to see if the hot water heater or the water line to the refrigerator starts leaking. Water damage is costly to repair and only gets more expensive by the hour. Installing water sensors near major appliances like the water heater that will alert an app on your phone if moisture is detected can save you from coming home to a hot mess (pun intended). Those sensors may also offer a discount on you home insurance policy like having security cameras.
Timing is Everything
Invest in a few timers to turn lights and televisions off randomly throughout day and evening. Most burglars are opportunists looking for an easy score like an obviously empty house.
Happy Homecomings
I don’t want those vacation memories ruined by coming home to a break-in or water damage. Those costly claims stick around and will increase your homeowner policy premium for years after the memories from your trip have faded. I am happy to provide tips and resources to help my insured’s protect their homes year-round for the happiest of homecomings every day.
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