When dreaming of your perfect vacation away from the Florida heat, home security might not come to the top of your mind. However, it is important to consider how you can protect your home when you’re away. Whether you are leaving for a staycation at a local hotel, for a weekend getaway, or for a two-week trip abroad, home safety and security should be a priority.
While on vacation, your house can be vulnerable to various issues including water damage from burst pipes, electric fires from overloaded appliances, and burglary.
** Tip: By adding Flood Insurance to your policy, you can protect your home when you’re away in the event a flooding event occurs.
According to ADT, the summer months generally pose a higher risk of home burglaries due to an increased number of travelers leaving their homes vacant. Burglars often target homes when they believe no one is inside, which maximizes their chances of a successful break-in.
Tips to Protect Your Home When You’re Away
Simulate Occupancy
- Use Light Timers: Program your lights both inside and outside to turn on and off at different times to simulate occupancy.
- Park a Car in the Driveway: Parking a car in the driveway can deter burglars because it looks like someone is home.
- Keep Your Yard Well Maintained: An overgrown lawn can make your home look abandoned. Make sure you’re mowing your lawn and trimming the hedges before departing for your trip. For vacations longer than two weeks, consider hiring a lawn mowing service to cut your grass.
Monitor Your Home
- Local Home Monitoring: Consider hiring a house sitter that can live in your home while you’re away. If you’re not comfortable with a house sitter, you can ask a trusted friend or family member to check on your home periodically.
- Remote Home Monitoring: Use a 24/7 home monitoring system including door and window sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and cameras to protect your home when you’re away. Many insurers offer homeowner discounts for the installation of monitored home security systems.
Get the Neighbors Involved
- Ask a trusted neighbor to look out for any suspicious activity around your home.
- Piled up mail is an indicator to would-be thieves that a home is not inhabited. Have your neighbors collect all of your mail, packages, newspapers, and circulars. Alternatively, you can have the post office hold your mail until you get back from your trip.
- If your neighborhood has a crime watch, be sure to reach out and alert them of your travels.
Do Your Part
- Lock All Doors and Windows: It may seem like a no-brainer but always make sure to lock all the entrance points to your home – lock the front door, back door, windows, garage, and side doors. Investing in pick-resistant locks and sash locks for windows will further protect your home when you’re away.
- Don’t Post Your Vacation Plan on Social Media: Sharing your travel plans on social sites such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, can alert a potential burglar to your absence at home.
- Unplug Electronics: When you unplug your electronics, you’re protecting your home from sudden electrical fires and outlet overloads.
- Secure Valuables: Store your valuable items in a safe or hidden location while away. Make sure to complete a home inventory list by taking photos of all rooms.
** Tip: Review your homeowners policy to make sure it provides adequate coverage for fire-related damages.
Housekeeping Tips When Leaving for Vacation
Tidy Up: Pests are attracted to food and waste. Deter these unwanted visitors by disinfecting and decluttering your home.
Take out the Trash and Recycling: Make sure to take out the trash before departing for your trip to prevent unpleasant odors and potential pest infestations.
Store Food Properly: Store all food (including your furry friend’s) in airtight containers to keep pests out.
Clean Out Your Fridge: Go through your fridge and toss any leftovers, unwanted items, and foods that are about to reach their expiration dates.
Travel Tips
Real ID-Compliant Licenses: If you plan on flying domestically, make sure you have a Real ID or another acceptable forms of identification (like a passport). Note: Florida Real ID-compliant licenses have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner.
Passports, and Visas: Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trip’s return date. Check to see if your destination requires a visa and make sure to apply well in advance for one.
Packing: Check the weather forecast for your trip and create a packing list. Prioritize space with packing cubes or vacuum sealed bags, and pack light layers.
TSA PreCheck/ Global Entry: Consider applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry for a faster airport security experience. Multiple major credit cards offer statement credit toward the application or renewal fee.
Credit Cards: Notify your bank about your travel plans to prevent them from blocking your credit and debit cards. Take out some cash before your departure to avoid high ATM fees and consider having some local currency on hand.
Welcome Back!
Whether you plan on vacationing for a weekend, a few weeks, or even a staycation, Florida Peninsula Insurance Company has your back by providing affordable homeowners insurance coverage add-ons to help protect your home. Contact your agent today to learn more about adding or reviewing your homeowners policy and additional coverage options. Not yet insured by Florida Peninsula? Get a quote online now. Safe travels!
