Home Safety While on Vacation

I see so many people disclose that they are leaving for vacation on their social media markets, this is a perfect target for would be thieves. Stay safe!

I always make sure to let a neighbor or someone I trust know that we are going out of town. I let them know who should be coming around the house, that way they can look out for suspicious cars and people and what not. I think it's important that someone you trust knows you're going out of town. I also try to leave lights on in the house as well! With us, we have a VERY big dog who isn't exactly friendly to people she doesn't know but to others who don't have a deterrent, being more cautious and over cautious is better than not preparing at all!

This really is a great idea for a post. I need to get busy.

Having a good neighbor pick up mail and advertising newspapers in the driveway is always a good one for that list. Giving that good neighbor a key to check inside of house. A few years ago an acquaintance went on a 1 month vacation and returned to a foot of water in a finished basement. Mushrooms had begun to grow. Lots of damage.

I agree that keeping any mention off Facebook until you are back just makes good sense.

It's counterintuitive, but definitely not mentioning it on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, etc. until you're back is always a smart move. Just defeats the purpose of the whole social media scene by not being able to share on the spot.

Don't put newspaper on Vacation-hold. Have friend/neighbor pick it up & keep it for you.

edit - oops, saw #11 posted the same thing.

Turn the water to your washing machine OFF.  

Washing machine hoses are rugged, and made to handle constant pressure for years, but they will fail sooner or later.

This is from an experience of a friend who went away for a week, and when they got home, water was gushing out of their main level washing machine, running down the stairs and pooling in an inch of water in the basement.

Erick Blackwelder
Washington DC Suburbs
Erick & Company
Exit Choice Realty
703-677-1120
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This is an important topic for all homeowners.  Great idea!

Once a friend of mine and her husband was going on vacation the same time my husband and I were. We parked each others cars at the others house. We knew each others pets and lived on opposite sides of town. Their kids had access to the cars and would swap them out. They had keys to the house and we also let "a trusted" neighbor know who would be coming and going. Everyone was acquainted with each other and had phone numbers. It was the best security system. We also let family know they would only have access via phone. Not to mention anything about us on the social media systems. No FACEBOOK, TWITTER, etc. Our properties had constant activity and we had fun on separate vacations.

Great list of safety ideas especially the one about Facebook.  Innocently we expose too much of our personal information on social media. 

Depending on how long you will be gone, have those who are checking on the house flush your toilet as well.  It prevents any gas odors.  Do the same with a little hot water and running the garbage disposal for a second too.

Also, depending on your climate, raise your thermostat while you are gone and safe a few energy dollars.  Then just have the friend/relative who is picking your your mail/newpapers turn it back to your desired temperature on the last day.

Great ideas. Thanks!

Another great idea for a blog post, thanks! Now, to find time to write it...

One of the ways we "secure" our home while away is to turn on a radio so it sounds like someone is there.

One of the things I see is NOT POSTING on Facebook, Twitter, ActiveRain that you have X number of days until vacation. Also - do not post vacation pictures while your away. That is like saying - " HEY I'M ON VACATION - GO ROB MY HOUSE BECAUSE NO ONE IS THERE!"

Kapeesh ?

Great idea!  It's the small things that can make a difference.

Great Idea!  When I'm running into a block about what to write about - you always come up with a good one!

Not only not posting photos or other information on Facebook indicating you are gone, but reminding your teenage children to keep the photos in their phone until you get home!

Yes, I agree.  Now Social Media is definitely something we must think about.  I love the reminder about the kids. 

You can always get a house sitter too.