Many families and friends plan fun vacations during the summer, leaving their homes for weeks to enjoy long adventures abroad or a short weekend away. However long you are away from your home, it’s important to prepare and take measures to protect your home. Read some of our tips on how you can protect your home while you go on vacation.
Utilize Security Measures
Having locks on all your doors and windows, a security alarm, and cameras around your home are some of the best ways to keep your home secure, even when not on vacation. When away, you can simulate occupancy by using timed controls on your lights to illuminate your home in the evening. Recruit a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to occasionally stop by and check your home.
Secure the Outside
Before you go, tend to the outside of your home by cutting the lawn and inspecting your windows and doors. Make sure all areas outside of your home are secure to avoid easy break-ins. If you’re gone during peak hurricane season, a storm may pass during your vacation time and it’s best to prepare your home with shudders and store loose lawn items just in case.
Unplug Appliances
While you’re away, it’s good to unplug household appliances, like toasters and coffee machines, to minimize the risk of electrical fires or power surges. Avoid flooding or leaks by shutting off the water supply and draining water from the pipes by opening all faucets and flushing the toilets to clear water from the tanks and bowls. You can also shut off your washing machine and dishwasher water valve to avoid leaks from broken hoses.
Create a Home Inventory
It’s always important to create a home inventory, especially when leaving your home for a vacation. Creating a home inventory can be as simple as listing the make/model and estimated price of the items in your home. You can utilize other methods like taking a video, using apps, or find out more in our helpful video here. If an incident occurs while you’re out of town, it’s best to have your home inventory already created and available to you even if you’re away by emailing it to yourself.
Review Insurance Coverage
Before starting your vacation fun, give your agent a call to review your policy and insurance coverages. The last thing you want to worry about on vacation is how you will replace your home and valuables if they are destroyed.
We are one of Florida's largest homeowners insurance companies offering multi-peril policies covering homes, condos, and renters insurance. For more information, or to get a quote, please call 877-229-2244.
