While many feel like the month of August is the beginning of the end to summer, others are still trying squeeze in as many road trips and family vacations as they can before the school year starts.
While spontaneous trips can be the perfect end to an incredible summer – the impromptu nature of these trips can cause forgetfulness in remembering critical safety practices to incorporate into their household regime prior to leaving. (Yes, the dreaded Oh-No moment, 2 hours into a trip, did I remember to unplug the curling iron!?)
Here are some safety measures to consider before leaving for vacation:
Remember to lock everything, including the windows and garage doors.
Inform a trusted neighbor that you will be leaving for vacation and ask them to keep an eye on the house. Provide them with a contact number they can reach you at incase they need to get a hold of you.
Nonessential Electronics – make sure to unplug them and to turn them all off!
Remember to contact your local postal service prior to your departure and stop the mail service while you’re away.
If you normally leave you’re blinds open, keep them open! Keeping your blinds closed can be an obvious giveaway to potential burglars. It is always best to keep the house as it would be during your normal routine.
Put all valuables into a safe – such as family heirlooms, cash, jewelry, etc.
If you do not have a safe, strongly consider investing in one!
Adjust the thermostat – this prevents you’re homes HVAC system from needlessly heating or cooling the house.
Turn off the water valve! This prevents potential water damage from any leaky pipes you may have.
Remember to clear your home’s storm drains and gutter before departure.
If you have a sump pump, maintain it regularly and to be sure that there is no clutter around the pump should it be needed while you are away.
Make sure to check that your outside grill, firepit, and outdoor lights are all turned off.