Leaving for a Long Travel? Secure Your Home

Unplug all your electrical appliances like television, stereo and coffee maker, except the refrigerator and other appliances that you have set on timers. By doing so, you can protect your appliances from getting damaged in the event of a power surge and it can also save you from unnecessary power wastage. Most electrical appliances in your house still consume electricity even when it is turned off.

You should also turn off your water supply just in case there’s a pipe burst or leakage while you’re not at home. A flooded living room is the last sight you want to see when you come back from the trip!

Lastly, do make sure to close your toilet lid to avoid mosquitoes from breeding.

Set a timer on your house lighting to appear like someone is in the house. Leaving the light on throughout the day will only make it obvious that no one is in. You can also purchase a motion detector light and place it in the most vulnerable area. This allows individuals with any ill-intention to hesitate.

Also avoid drawing down the curtains fully as it will be an obvious sign of an unoccupied house. It will make it easier for the police or neighbours to see if anything suspicious is going on. Just be sure to hide valuable items like electrical appliances and jewellery out of the sight of the open curtain.

Before you leave, make sure all windows and doors are locked. Check the front door, the back door, all accessible windows, garage or patio doors and all other unsuspecting entrance that you can think of. Triple check that you have locked and shut everything. Make a checklist if you have to.

Depending on how long you’re planning to travel, get help from a close friend or trusted neighbour to check on your house from time to time. Drop them a spare key if you need them check in the house and ensure everything is in its place. They can help you collect your mails or newspaper from piling on your mailbox and doorstep or even feed your pet if you have any.

Alternatively, find a house sitter. You can research online to find more information and check the reviews to locate a trustworthy house sitter.

We understand how much you want to share the beauty of the places you’re travelling to but you might want to refrain from doing this. Posting details on social media about your getaway will only reveal your current location and increase the vulnerability of your house, especially when you use the check-in feature and enable the location function on your social media updates.

The potential burglar could be anyone in your friend list and even worse if you set your social media platforms profiles in public setting. So only upload your travel photos and update your status when you have returned to ensure your home is secure.

Also, write a different address in your luggage tag (eg. workplace address) to avoid people from snapping the photos of your house address with a bad intention.
 

If your house is insured, do make a phone call with your insurer to find out about the updated claim procedures.

Understand the incidences that your insurance covers and take note on the relevant procedures. Start making inventories on your household items as soon as possible so it will not be a burden to do it the next time.

You will only need to update when you purchase a new item. Seems like a lot of work, but it is good to be prepared ahead!