Wyndham Wisdom
Keep Your Home Safe While on the Road
It is the time of year when many people travel over the river and through the woods (well, probably more like down the highway and to the airport). Getting you and the family ready to travel is essential, but making sure your home is ready while you travel is equally important. Checking a few small things will help ensure that your house is safe and sound when you return home.
- Lighting - To give the appearance that someone is still home, you may want to consider installing a timer that operates interior lights at the times you would normally be home. It is also a good idea to use motion-sensing lights on the exterior and to unplug holiday lights before you leave on vacation.
- Mail - If you are going away for a week or more, you should stop your mail delivery. You may stop your mail online on the United States Postal Service Web site. You will also want to stop delivery or have someone pick up your newspapers while you are gone.
- Outside - Make sure that your yard work is complete before leaving on vacation. If there is a chance for snow, make sure someone will shovel your sidewalk while you are away. If you live in a warm climate, grass should be cut before leaving. If you are going to be away for more than two weeks, you may want to hire a lawn service or ask a friend to mow the grass while you are away.
- Security - Before leaving home, you should make sure that all door and window locks are in good working order and locked. A broom stick or dowel in the track will add security to sliding doors. It is also a good idea to keep windows covered, and keep expensive items, like jewelry and electronics, away from sight. If your house has a security system, you should turn it on when you walk out the door. If your alarm system is monitored, be sure that your emergency contact phone numbers are up to date.
- Plumbing - If you live in a cold climate, you should take appropriate steps to prevent frozen pipes. The American Red Cross http://www.prepare.org suggests: "you should open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors... let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes... [and] set the [thermostat] temperature to no lower than 55°F." While your utility bill may slightly increase, these tips may help avoid unplanned repair costs.
You should also try to leave a key with a friend or family member in the area in case of an emergency. Making a few arrangements around the house before you leave will help make your vacation even more relaxing and carefree.
This article was brought to you by Adventures Online, a Wyndham Vacation Ownership publication.
