Whether you’re heading to a tropical getaway or visiting family for the holidays, nothing disrupts relaxation faster than a call from your alarm company or walking into a flooded kitchen on the return home. The best protection is prevention.
That’s why Mapfre Insurance has put together a few simple steps to keep your home safe, sound, and stress-free while you’re away.
Indoor tips to keep your home safe
Here are some easy things you can do inside your home to help protect it and give yourself peace of mind:
-
- Lock every door and window, including those in the garage and basement. Do a final walkthrough to make sure every entry point is secure.
- Put your valuables in a safe place or somewhere out of sight.
- Set your alarm system and notify your security company of your travel dates.
- Set timers for your lights and electronics so it looks like someone is home, even when you’re not.
- Unplug any appliances you don’t need while you’re gone. This helps lower the risk of electrical fires and saves energy, too.
- Double-check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working properly.
- Check your pipes for leaks, and if it’s cold out, think about turning off the main water supply or adding insulation.
- Set your thermostat to a sensible temperature so your home doesn’t use more energy than it needs.
- Ask a friend, neighbor, or house sitter you trust to keep an eye on things while you’re away.
- Wait until you’re back before sharing your trip on social media. That way, you’re not letting everyone know you’re away.Outdoor tips to keep your home secure
Outdoor tips to keep your home secure
It’s just as important to take care of the outside of your home as it is the inside. Here are a few outdoor tips to help your house look lived-in and protected while you’re away:
-
- Be sure your garage door is locked. If you can, disconnect the automatic opener to help prevent break-ins.
- Skip hiding spare keys outside. It’s safer to leave a key with a neighbor, friend, or family member you trust.
- Mow the lawn and trim the bushes before you go so your home looks cared for.
- If you’re leaving during the fall or winter, ask someone to pick up leaves or clear away snow.
- Pause your mail and newspaper deliveries or ask a neighbor to collect them so they don’t pile up.
- Put away outdoor furniture, grills, and tools somewhere safe to help prevent theft or storm damage.
- Add motion-sensor lights near your entrances and driveway to help keep unwanted visitors away.
- See if a neighbor can park in your driveway now so it looks like someone is home.
- Double-check that gates and fences are locked and in good shape.
No matter where your travels take you, we hope these tips help keep your home safe and give you peace of mind while you’re away.
If you’re not sure what your home insurance covers or if you want extra protection, your independent agent can help review your policy and make sure you have what you need. And if you don’t have Mapfre for your home insurance, you can get the right coverage by calling an independent agent in your state or by getting a fast, free online quote today.
