Essential Precautions for Long Absences from Home

Leaving your home for an extended period can pose several security risks, but with a few straightforward measures, you can ensure that your property and belongings are well-protected in your absence. This article outlines key precautions to take to safeguard your home effectively.

Trustworthy Friends for Support

Before you embark on your long journey, it’s wise to arrange for assistance from a trusted and reliable friend or neighbor. One of the most crucial steps is to ask them to:

Collect Mail and Keep an Eye on the Property: A trustworthy friend can take responsibility for collecting your mail and checking on your home during your absence. They can help keep an eye out for any suspicious activities or conditions that might arise. Manage Water and Power Supply: Ensure that your friend also knows to turn off your main water supply to avoid potential leaks. They can also keep an eye on your utilities, like turning off non-essential appliances or adjusting settings on your water heater, if necessary. Water Plants and Handle Toilet Flushing: Ensure that your friend can provide necessary care to your plants. They can water your flowers or other plants to prevent them from wilting, and ensure that your toilets are flushed regularly to avoid issues like clogs or leaks.

Critical Steps for Extended Absences

For a longer period away from home, consider the following additional measures:

Disconnect Car Batteries: If your car is left at home during your absence, it’s a good idea to have the car’s battery disconnected to prevent any potential security issues, and to give it a break from being unused. Set Up Automated Payments: To avoid any issues with bill payments while you are away, schedule all your regular monthly payments to be made automatically. This includes mortgage payments, utilities, subscriptions, and any other recurring expenses. Notify Financial Institutions: Inform your bank, credit card providers, and any other relevant financial institutions about your absence. Let them know your expected dates of return and possibly set up automatic alerts for any transactions made in your absence. Request Property Checks by the Police: You can contact the local police department to request regular property checks. This service is often free, and police officers will patrol your neighborhood to look for any suspicious activity. Stop Mail and Newspaper Delivery: Request that your mail and newspaper deliveries be paused during your absence. This will prevent a large pileup of mail and newspapers, which could attract unwanted attention to your home. Have Neighbors or Trusted Individuals Check in Regularly: If you have a trusted neighbor, ask them to stop by your home at regular intervals to check on your house. This can help deter any would-be intruders and also identify any issues that might arise during your absence.

Enhanced Security Measures

To further enhance security, consider the following additional actions:

Turn Off the Water Heater: This can help conserve energy and also prevent potential leaks. Use Timers on Lamps: Leaving some lights on a timer can create the impression that someone is at home, deterring potential burglars. Ensure Windows and Doors are Locked: A thorough check of all locks ensures that your home is secure during your absence. Turn Off Outside Water Supply: If you have outdoor faucets, it’s a good idea to turn off the supply to prevent any potential leaks that might start in your absence.

Preparation is key when planning a long absence from home. By putting these precautions in place, you can help ensure that your property is safe and secure, giving you peace of mind during your trip.