Home Summer Time Worries

Ah, summer! It’s finally nice outside, you aren’t complaining 24/7 about being cold, and you can enjoy all of this newly found time spent with your family. All of these may be true, and I know I can’t wait for these days to approach. However, we still have to make necessary precautions for our family homes, especially when you’re away. But don’t worry; I have some easy tips to ensure a worry free summer.

Create a Checklist

Silly right? But it’s actually extremely beneficial. Studies have shown that writing things down help you remember that information; because of the time and place you’ve wrote it down, this will help your brain trigger what was needed during that time. Start with the least important tasks—most people overlook these items, and make it the hardest to remember. Make the checklist nice and neat; having a checklist always makes your work seem less overwhelming, and makes you a happier traveler.

Pre-Vacation Planning

This all depends on what tasks you need to accomplish before you leave for your trip. Do you have a dog? Reserve a spot at a local doggie day care or kennel well in advance—or arrange for a family member to watch your K9 friend. How long are you going on you trip for? You may need to contact your postal carrier to stop/forward mail for the time being while you’re off having fun.

Leaving Lights On

There are many advances in technology, so why not use them? There are great timers that you can purchase to set up in your home, which turns on and off your lights. This will make it appear as though there is still common traffic in your house. Not only does it appear to potential criminals that you’re home, but it also saves you money on your electrical bill, rather than keeping your lights on at all times while you’re away.

Turning Off Appliances

This may seem simple, but this step is easily overlooked (maybe put this at the top of your checklist!). This will ease your worry about the safety of your home, and will also cut down the costs of maintaining your home while you’re away. 

Social Network Postings

As excited as you are to leave on your planned vacation, try and stay away from posting anything on Facebook or Twitter—this makes it known that you aren’t home, and makes you an easy target.

Final Precautions

These last steps will fully ensure you’re happiness while you’re out lying by the beach. Make sure to lock all doors and windows (I know, duh!), and tell someone you trust (maybe a neighbor) about your travels, and if they could keep an eye on the house for you. Even though you’ve completed all safety tasks before you leave, it’s always nice to know someone is looking out or you. 


Naomi Broderick is a professional writer who’s secure in her abilities and even more confident in her parenting. When she’s not juggling her three children in the front yard she writes for ProtectYourHome.com, a leader in home security.

image from: casselberry.org