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Tips and Resources to Keep Your Home Safe during Your Vacation
By Julie Johnson
Loudounclear is a publication of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce
For many Americans, summer is arguably the most popular time to vacation. The children are out of school. Businesses move at a more relaxed pace. And the weather is conducive to fun in the sun.
Despite all of our technological advances, vacation does have its logistical problems. Aside from making travel arrangements and packing the car, vacationers are often faced with concerns such as what to do with Fido, the mail and the safety of an unattended home. Below you will find ten tips to keep your home safe during your vacation as well as several resources to fill the void.
Kit & Kaboodle Pet Care Service,
709 Clark Court, #302, Leesburg, VA 20176, (703) 443-2499
http://www.kitandkaboodlepets.com
For pet owners who would prefer to leave their pets in the comfort of their own home instead of boarding them, Kit & Kaboodle provides at-home pet sitting, dog walking/exercise, overnight stays and a pet taxi service. Kit & Kaboodle serves area pet owners 365 days a year, maintaining their clients’ customary routines and diets, while offering a presence in an otherwise vacant home as well as companionship for the pets. The pet taxi service picks up owners’ pets and delivers then to veterinary or grooming appointments.
Velasco advises owners to pet proof the house before leaving for vacation, so pets’ safety is not compromised between sitter visits. She also recommends that pet owners ensure that sitters know how to operate the air conditioning unit if necessary. At the very least, make sure fans are available if the home lacks air conditioning or the unit malfunctions.
Mail Boxes, Etc.,
44050-195 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Ashburn, VA 20147, (703) 726-8740
Another common dilemma for vacationers is mail collection. Options vary and range from asking a trusted neighbor to pick up and hold your mail to placing a delivery stop on your mail through the post office. Another option, particularly for those on an extended vacation or those spending several months at a second home, is a service like Mail Boxes, Etc. According to owner Regina McKeon, mail box rentals are available for just such scenarios. Features to this service include mail receipt, mail forwarding, notice of specific mail items received and tracking of specific packages. The latter item is especially attractive to those who do not want packages sitting outside their homes or being returned due to lack of signature. The company will hold these packages and notify recipients when packages have arrived.
Mary McKeon of Mail Boxes, Etc. suggests a box rental for those working extended hours outside the home. Packages can be delivered directly to their Mail Boxes, Etc. address; thereby, avoiding damage due to inclement weather and eliminating any indication that no one is home.
Ten Home Safety Tips
1. Have a neighbor or service take in newspapers and mail, while you are gone. Another alternative is to have the mail stop for the duration of your trip.
2. Turn down the ringer on your phone and utilize an answering machine or voicemail. One caveat: Do not announce on your outgoing message that you are out of town.
3. Make sure a trusted neighbor has the address and number of your vacation destination as well as a house key in the event of a home emergency.
4. Contact your local police station. Often, they will drive by to monitor your home, while you are away. Most will provide this service as a courtesy.
5. Put lights on a timer and if possible vary the rooms and times which lights go on and off.
6. Stick to your normal routine. If you don’t usually close the blinds when you’re home, do not do so now. Burglars often case homes before entering and will look for telltale signs that you are gone.
7. Ensure that all windows and doors are locked. A seemingly obvious tip, but one that is often overlooked. Most burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows.
8. Keep shrubs and trees well-trimmed and away from obstructing entryway views.
9. Provide care for pets whether it is a neighbor or a professional service. Leave plenty of food and water. Even the most self-sufficient cat enjoys a little company while you’re gone.
10. Put ladders and tools away. Free access is tempting to a would-be burglar.