Murphy's Law for vacationers: If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong while you're away on vacation, which is often the worst time a household disaster can strike. Coming home from your relaxing stay away can be gloomy. But returning home to find something has gone wrong at home can be devastating and expensive. What's more, a house left empty is a tempting target for criminals. From being smart about lights to reviewing your home insurance in Antioch, CA, here are some sure-fire ways to keep your home safe while you're away.
Ask for help
A simple way to gain peace of mind while traveling is to ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your house while you're away. He or she can visit your home often to pick up the mail, water the plants, and ensure all is well with the property. An extra set of eyes on the house can help you to relax while you're away.
Keep it quiet
Although you can't wait to explore foreign lands and finally relax, you should keep quiet about your travel plans on social media. You never know who can see your posts, and mentioning that you're away for a 10-day cruise can tell burglars that your home is left unattended. Instead, wait to post all your vacation pictures until you're home.
Be smart with lights
Don't leave your lights on at home throughout your entire vacation to make it look like someone is in the house. This wastes electricity and may not even fool burglars. Instead, purchase a light switch timer that turns your lights on and off at certain times of the day. Criminals will notice your lights flipping on and off, which is more convincing than having lights on throughout the night, every night.
Pull the plug
If you're leaving for more than a couple of days, unplug your television, computer, toaster oven, and other appliances to protect them from power surges. This will help you conserve power as well since many appliances draw energy even when they're turned off.
Review home insurance
Your home insurance policy can help protect your home and belongings when the worst happens. Now is the time to review your coverage to ensure that you have plenty of coverage for your needs.
When you're ready to secure a quality homeowners insurance policy, talk to the friendly experts at Jack Stone Insurance Agency. We serve Antioch, Brentwood, and surrounding cities in California. Contact us today to get started!
