Some safety tips for closing your house before a long absence
Closing your house for a long absenceTo reconcile home security and travel, it is necessary to take a few common sense precautions. From the risk of fire to water damage, including burglary, many dangers await your home while you are away.
Things to do at home…
Cut off the water and gas supply to avoid any risk of a pipe burst, especially in winter when it freezes. Do the same for the gas to prevent a possible leak from starting a fire.
Unplug all your electrical appliances like the TV, oven, toaster, computer or stereo. You will save money by reducing your electricity bill, because these devices consume energy as long as they remain plugged in, while avoiding accidents during a storm, for example.
Empty your fridge and freezer completely before unplugging them so you don't risk finding spoiled food when you return.
Install a system that will simulate a presence inside the house. This device will be able to raise the window shutters at the start of the day and lower them in the evening. It is also possible to program it to turn on lamps in certain rooms after dark. Failing this, there are special light bulbs on the market equipped with a timer which turn on and off at fixed times. Some security devices can also be managed remotely if you are a connected traveler .
Remember to keep your pet in a specialized center or company. Otherwise, you can take him with you if he is well vaccinated and if the legislation of your destination country allows you to travel with your pet .
Make sure the doors and windows in your home are all securely locked . It will only take you a few minutes, while a small oversight can cost you dearly on your return.
Don't forget to activate your home alarm if it has one. Current technologies allow remote control of security and surveillance systems. You can do this in the car, on your way to the airport if the weather doesn't allow you to linger.
… and to do outside
Do not leave the duplicate key under your doormat. Give it to a friend or someone you trust who can regularly come and take care of your house to air it out, water the plants or remove your mail from your mailbox. If you leave your car, also give him the key to it so he can start it from time to time to warm up the engine and move it if needed.
Notify your insurance company if you leave your home for more than thirty days. Include the name and contact information of the person watching over your home. In the event of a serious incident, it may take the necessary measures while awaiting your return.
Never report on the web that you are going on vacation and never indicate the duration of your absence. Your friends will of course be happy to look at your photos in swimsuits on the Copacabana beach during your WHV in Brazil , but at the same time you inform thieves about your absence and they could take advantage of it to rob your home.
Also pay attention to your answering machine. Do not leave any message implying that you have gone to the end of the world. In addition, it is now possible to remotely consult the messages received in order to be able to answer important or urgent calls.
Inform the police station closest to your home of the dates of your departure and return. In fact, during holiday periods, the police carry out rounds around unoccupied houses. With this free service, it becomes unnecessary to activate the device for switching on and off the lights or you have to explain how it works to the agents. Indeed, the police are likely to believe in an intrusion if they see a light in your home when you have reported your absence.
Whether for a long vacation or for work, going abroad for a while requires securing your home before leaving. Indeed, the risk of fire, flood and especially theft increases as soon as the owner of the premises is absent.
In addition to these precautions, it is recommended to take out home insurance to be able to leave with peace of mind.
If you are still a student and need to be away for a long time, ACS gives you access to the best home insurance deals. Home insurance for students is a specific formula that covers them if they plan to do an internship or work for some time abroad.
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