The point of vacation is rest and relaxation—not worrying about what’s going on at home. Help relieve the worry by following this vacation safety checklist.

Vacation Safety for the Home

Protecting your home from theft and damage is just as important for when you’re home or away. Here are some things you can do to help give you peace of mind that your home is in good hands while you’re not there.

Interior Checklist:

• Turn off electrical appliances.
• Clear perishable foods from the refrigerator.
• Take out the garbage.
• Lock windows and doors.
• Set timers on lights.
• Set thermostat to minimum temperature (ex. 60 degrees in winter and 80 in summer).
• Unplug appliances susceptible power surges, like TVs and computers.

Exterior Checklist:

• Notify a trusted neighbor that you will be away, and ask if they can keep an eye on your home. You should leave your vacation address and phone number with them so you can be reached in an emergency.
• Arrange to have the post office hold your mail until your return, or have a neighbor pick it up.
• Arrange to have the lawn mowed or snow shoveled.
• Take trash to a local dumpster, or ask a neighbor to set out and return your cans on collection day.

Security Checklist

• Never leave your house key hidden anywhere outside your home.
• Notify your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended period.
• Store valuable items in a safe-deposit box.
• Arrange for the care of pets.

While it may seem like a lot to prepare before a vacation, it’s all to provide peace of mind for when you’re trying to relax on vacation. It’s better to be over prepared than worried while you’re away or sorry when you get home. Safe travels!

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