To reconcile home security and travel, it is necessary to take some common-sense precautions. Many dangers lurk in your home from the risk of fire to water damage, including burglary, while you are away.
To do in the house ...
Shut off the water and gas supply to avoid any risk
of a broken pipe, especially in winter when it freezes. Do the same for the gas
to prevent a possible leak from starting a fire.
Unplug all your electrical appliances such as the
television, oven, toaster, computer, or stereo. You will save money by reducing
your electricity bill because these devices consume energy as long as they
remain plugged in a while, avoiding accidents during a thunderstorm, for
example.
Empty your refrigerator and freezer before unplugging
them to avoid the risk of finding spoiled food when you return.
Install a system that will simulate a presence inside the
house. For example, this device will raise the shutters of the windows at
the beginning of the day and lower them in the evening. It is also possible to
program it to turn on lamps in certain rooms after dark. Otherwise, there are
special bulbs on the market equipped with a timer that turns on and off at
fixed times. Some security features can also be managed remotely if you are a
connected traveler.
Make sure the windows and doors in your home are all
securely locked. Again, it will only take you a few minutes, whereas a minor
oversight can cost you dearly on your return.
Do not forget to activate the alarm of your house if
it is equipped with one. Current technologies allow remote control of security
and surveillance systems. You can do this in the car, on your way to the
airport if the weather doesn't let you linger. If you don’t have security
cameras in your residence, contact the nearest locksmith and get done with security cameras installation.
Do not leave the double of the key under your doormat.
Instead, please give it to a friend or someone you trust who can regularly come
and take care of your house to air it out, water the plants, or remove your
mail from your mailbox. If you leave your car, give him the car key so he can
start it now and then to warm up the engine and move it when needed.
Notify your insurance company if you leave your home
for more than thirty days. Indicate the name and contact details of the person
who watches over your house. In the event of a severe incident, she may take
the necessary measures while awaiting your return.
Never report on the web that you are going on vacation
and never indicate the length of your absence. Your friends will, of course, be
happy to watch your photos in swimsuits on Copacabana beach during your WHV in
Brazil, but at the same time, you inform thieves about your absence, and they
could take the opportunity to rob your home.
Also, pay attention to your answering machine. Do not
leave any message that implies that you have gone to the end of the world. In
addition, it is now possible to remotely consult the messages received to
answer important or urgent calls.
Inform the police station closest to your home of the
dates of your departure and return. In fact, during vacation periods, the
police make rounds around unoccupied houses. With this free service, it becomes
unnecessary to activate the device for switching the lights on and off, or it
is necessary to explain its operation to the agents. Indeed, the police may
believe in an intrusion if they see the light in your home after you have
reported your absence.
Whether it's for an extended vacation or work, going abroad
for a while requires securing your home well before you leave. Indeed, the risk
of fire, flood, and especially theft increases as soon as the premises owner is
absent.
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