Essential Precautions for Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure During Extended Absence

Taking precautions to ensure your home is safe and secure during an extended absence is crucial. Whether you're leaving temporarily for a couple of months or for an extended period, these steps will help reduce the risk of burglary, property damage, and other home-related issues. This article will guide you through the essential steps to take to prepare your home for a long absence.

Security Measures

First and foremost, make sure your home is secure from potential intruders. Lock all doors, windows, and the garage. Avoid hiding keys outside—use a lockbox or ask a trusted neighbor to keep them on your behalf.

Consider installing a security system and ensure it's functioning properly. If you decide to get a security system, it's important that it's operational and set to arm before you leave. Many security systems come with remote control features, allowing you to arm or disarm your system while away.

Valuables and Personal Property

Taking measures to protect your valuable belongings is a key part of home preparation. Keep valuables in a safe and remove anything visible from windows and blinds. Consider removing plants that could be valuable to burglars and make arrangements for the care of any indoor or outdoor plants. Reliable options include setting up a sprinkler timer or having a neighbor water them.

Mail and Utilities

To avoid falling behind with mail or having packages left unattended, contact your post office to put a hold on your mail and newspaper delivery. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor to retrieve packages as they arrive. This will help prevent mail theft and the appearance that your home is abandoned.

Energy and Water Management

Saving energy and reducing the risk of fire are important concerns. Unplug non-essential electronics except for the fridge. Adjust your thermostat to a moderate temperature—raise it in the summer and lower it in the winter. Turning off the water supply and draining the water pipes can help prevent damage in the event of a leak.

Plants and Freshness Maintenance

Plants need proper care to prevent damage that could happen during your absence. Make arrangements for watering your plants, either by setting up a sprinkler timer or having a neighbor water them. If necessary, prune overgrown plants to reduce the risk of pests and mold. Ensure that any indoor plants are stored properly to avoid damaging surfaces or creating messes.

Lighting and Maintenance

Proper lighting can reduce the risk of break-ins and create a cleaner appearance. Set timers for outdoor lights or use smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely. Motion-activated outdoor lights are also a good option. Ensure your blinds and shutters are closed on public-facing areas to reduce visibility. Unclog your gutters to ensure rainwater drains properly to prevent leaks and damage to your home's exterior.

Final Clean-Up and Alerts

Before leaving, give your fridge a final clean-out, retaining only essential items that won't spoil over an extended period. Thaw frozen foods that are unlikely to be eaten right away. Also, take out all trash and clean all dishes, putting them away to avoid attracting pests.

Tell your neighbors and any relevant service providers, such as the alarm company, that you'll be away and when you expect to return. Have them check on your home periodically to make it look lived-in and reduce the risk of theft. Ensure that any outstanding bills are paid in advance to avoid any potential issues while you're away.

If you have a vehicle, inform a family member or friend to check it periodically or consider using a trickle charger to maintain the battery charge. Leaving your car unused for an extended period can lead to a discharged battery, which can be inconvenient when you return.

Additional Tips

Tell everyone you're leaving and when you'll be back. Keeping your neighbors informed can help them watch out for potential issues.

Arrange for the removal of flyers and other notifications that might indicate no one is home. This can help maintain the appearance that your home is occupied.

If you have trouble remembering to take these precautions or if you're not sure how to manage your home while you're away, consider hiring a professional home security service or a trusted neighbor or friend to assist you.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with a long absence and ensure your home is protected and maintained while you're away.