Vacation Getaway Safety

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

Summer break is almost over but there is still time left for everyone to take a vacation!  Summertime is prime time to travel and a survey shows about one-third of American families are taking the opportunity this summer to go on a summer vacation.  But in case of an unexpected disaster, be sure to have your home prepared.   Below are a list of things to do to make sure your home is secure when you're off spending time with your family on vacation.

Make arrangements with an Emergency Contact: 

• Close friend or neighbor 
• Provide emergency contact
• Turn on porch lights
• Collect mail - burglars looks for home with overflowing mail

Protecting your Home:

• Consider getting motion sensor lights, this way, if anyone gets too close to your home, lights will automatically turn on. 
• Purchasing an electric timer may be helpful for your home.  This allows you to save energy and keep your electricity bill cost lower. 
• Keep watch, use the emergency contact above to keep an eye on your home and check it each day to make sure everything is okay. 
• Security system is one of the best ways to protect your home while on vacation

Taking Additional Precautions:

• Shut off gas and water at the meter, supply tank or appliance
• Turn off all water valves to any the appliance with waterline 
• Unplug all electronics to prevent any electrical shortages
• Make sure smoke detectors working properly before leaving
• Adjust your thermostats to 75-82 degrees, this will help control air usage.
• Be careful what you say.  Leaving for vacation is exciting but saying too much may create your home as a target for invasion.  Resist the temptation to broadcast your vacation on social media - tell your friends after you return.
• Tell your alarm company- alert the company you will be out of town, especially on an extended trip.
• Lock everything down and secure valuables.

Don't let your summer vacation turn into a water staycation.  If an unexpected water event or disaster happens, you know who to call.  Give a ring to SERVPRO of Victoria at (361) 573-6000.  We're always ready for whatever happens!