Whether you headed for southern climes for a few days, a few months, or anything in between, you’ll do well to take all necessary precautions to ensure you find your home the way left it.

Before you go away, though, remember to take some simple steps to protect your home from the elements and from thieves. After all, nothing will put a quicker end to your vacation afterglow than a burst water pipe or a home break-in.

Have a neighbour pick up your mail and newspapers every day

Nothing says, “we’re gone” like an overflowing mail box or newspapers stacked up by your front door. If you don’t have a neighbor who can undertake this daily chore for you, have your mail and newspaper delivery suspended.

Put your lights on an automatic timer

What you don’t want is lights left on all day and night, or your house perpetually in the dark. So, to create just the right blend, hire an electrician to set up certain lights on an automatic timer to turn on and off at pre-determined times.

Create the look of “normal”

A friendly neighbor or relative will help you out even more by adjusting the shades, putting trash cans out and taking them back in, and maybe even parking their car in your driveway.

Protect Your Home from the Elements

Cold temperatures can be another problem for your home while you’re away. If water freezes inside a pipe, for instance, it can expand and block the pipe, increasing water pressure in the rest of the house. That can eventually cause the pipe to burst. So, before you set sail, it’s okay to lower your thermostats, but not below 55 degrees. If you’re going to be away for a long time, though, you may want to close the main water valve and drain the water out of your pipes before you go.

Also, arrange to have someone shovel your driveway or walkways as needed as one more to show your home is occupied. A shoveled and de-iced sidewalk also can help you prevent a lawsuit should a passerby accidentally slip and fall.

How’s Your Home Security System?

If yours is ancient, incomplete, or you don’t have one at all, now’s a great time to contact Now Security Systems. Not only can we protect your house against unwanted intrusion, we can provide you with an app that allows you to keep track of indoor temperatures, lighting, and more. Contact us today for more information or a free in-home consultation and proposal.