8 Tips To Keep Your Home Safe While You’re On Vacation 

Going on vacation can be an exciting and much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life. However, amidst all the excitement and anticipation of planning a vacation, it’s easy to overlook one crucial aspect – the safety and security of your home.

While you’re away, your home is vulnerable to burglars and other threats. Therefore, taking the necessary steps to keep your home safe and secure while on vacation is crucial. After all, the last thing you want is to return from a relaxing trip to find that your home has been burglarized or damaged. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with eight tips to keep your home safe while you’re on vacation, so you can enjoy your time away without any worries. 

Tip #1: Secure Your Windows And Doors

 One of the most essential steps in keeping your home safe while you’re away is to secure all doors and windows. This includes the front and back doors, and any windows on the first floor that could be used to gain entry to your home.

Another important consideration is to make sure that any spare keys or other access points to your home are secure. For example, if you have a hidden key outside your home it’s a good idea to remove it and store it in a safe location while you’re away. You could also give the key to a trusted neighbour if you feel it’s necessary. 

Tip #2: Keep Your Valuables In A Safe

One of the biggest concerns for homeowners, when they go on vacation, is the safety and security of their valuables, and the threat of burglars. Whether it’s jewellery, electronics, or other high-value items, leaving them behind can be stressful and worrisome.

If you’re one of those homeowners who are unable to find the right place to keep their valuables, then we have a crucial home safety tip: Install a home safe or a locker if you haven’t already. This helps provide an added layer of protection and ensures that your items are not easily accessible to potential burglars.

If you have particularly valuable items that you’re concerned about, such as expensive jewellery or electronics, you may also want to consider storing them off-site in a safety deposit box or other secure location till you’re back at your humble abode. 

Tip #3: Install Security Cameras 

It’s important to note that the mere presence of security cameras can act as a strong deterrent for potential burglars. Knowing that their actions are being monitored and recorded make burglars think twice before attempting to break into your home.

When installing security cameras, it’s essential to strategically place them at entry points and other vulnerable areas, such as first-floor windows. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose cameras with high-quality video resolution so that you can use any footage captured to identify the perpetrator if a break-in were to occur. This may cost you a few extra bucks, but it will not only help you while you’re away but once you come back as well. 

It’s worth noting that some security cameras can be connected to your smartphone or another device, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere.

Tip #4: Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts 

You may wonder why completing certain tasks is important before leaving for vacation. After all, you’re going to be away from home, so why does it matter if your gutters are clean or your trees are trimmed? The truth is that neglecting these tasks can have serious consequences for your home’s safety and security, especially if you consider the unpredictable weather conditions in Florida. 

It’s not uncommon for it to rain heavily or for thunderstorms to occur at any time. Having clogged gutters during these events can cause water damage to your home’s foundation, which can be expensive to repair. In addition, overgrown trees and branches provide easy access for pests to get into your home. You wouldn’t want to come home to severe water damage or a pest infestation, so taking these steps is crucial. 

Tip #5: Take Care Of Your Lawns

Lawns are one of the areas that require frequent care and upkeep, and if you are going away on vacation, lawn maintenance becomes even more critical. Even when you’re not home, your lawn will still require watering and other nutrients to remain healthy. 

To prevent this, make sure to mow your lawn and trim any overgrown hedges or shrubs before leaving for vacation. Additionally, consider setting up an automatic sprinkler system. 

If you plan to leave for an extended period, it may be a good idea to arrange for someone to maintain your lawn and take care of any necessary upkeep. This can include picking up fallen branches or leaves and removing dead plants or debris. 

You can ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your lawn while you are out, but make sure you trust them. 

This will provide added peace of mind while you’re away, knowing that your home is being taken care of and is less likely to be targeted by potential burglars.

Tip #6: Inspect Your Roofing System Before You Leave 

Your roof is a crucial part of your property. The roofing system occupies almost a third of your home, so naturally, you want to take care of it before you leave for a long period of time. 

You can do this by performing a roof inspection. A roof inspection involves assessing your roofing system to check its overall health. Climb onto the roof with the help of a ladder and be sure to use protective gear before you reach the top. Start by cleaning dust and other debris off your roof, and then look for the following signs of damage: 

• Missing, uplifted, or loose shingles
• Loss of shingle granules
• Missing flashing
• Gutter and downspout damage

You can inspect your roof yourself, or to be safe, you can hire a roofing professional for the same task. At SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors, we offer free roof inspection services so that you can find out how your roof is performing. 

Tip #7: Social Media Awareness 

In today’s digital age, social media has become an important part of our lives, and many of us love to share our experiences with friends and family online. However, when it comes to vacation, it’s important to be cautious about what you post on social media, and when, as it can potentially compromise the safety and security of your home.

It’s important to be mindful of the information you share online and take steps to avoid revealing sensitive information about your whereabouts. If you can, wait till you’ve come home from vacation to post pictures, in order to throw off anyone tracking your whereabouts.  

Tip #8: Hold Your Mail/ Newspaper 

Another important tip for keeping your home safe while on vacation is to hold off on mail delivery. A pile of mail is a clear sign that no one is home, making your house an easy target for burglars.

In addition to putting a hold on your mail delivery, you may also want to consider suspending any other regular deliveries, such as newspaper or magazine subscriptions, until you return from vacation. 

Best Places To Visit For Your Next Vacation!

Florida is a popular vacation destination with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and abundant attractions and activities. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State. Here are some of the best places to visit in Florida for your next vacation:

Miami

Miami is one of the most popular cities in Florida. Known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and Art Deco architecture, Miami is a popular destination for tourists worldwide, but be prepared to face the hot weather! 

Orlando

Orlando is a must-visit destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, home to some of the world’s most popular theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

Key West

Located at the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West is a picturesque island known for its laid-back vibe, colorful architecture, and stunning sunsets.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a gem of a city, known for its unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. The city boasts a thriving arts scene with numerous galleries. It is also home to the famous Siesta Key beach. 

So, whether you’re looking for sun, sand, surf, family-friendly attractions, or cultural experiences, Florida has something for everyone.

Best Home Improvement Services In Florida

We hope that these home safety tips while on vacation will surely help you feel better about leaving your home unattended as you go off to enjoy yourself. 

SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors is a pioneer in residential roofing and exterior home services. We have more than 50 years of combined experience and have been fully dedicated to Tampa and surrounding areas. We offer the following services: 

• Residential and commercial roofing services 
• Siding 
• Windows 
• Gutters 
• Decking systems

Use these services to ensure your home is protected even while you are not there to take care of it. Contact us today at (813) 400-3329, and we will gladly assist you. Happy Vacation!