Home tips for Vacationing!

Well, it is that time of year again. Summer fun and Vacations are upon us! While we are gone on our wondrous adventures, it is always in the back of our mind….”how are things at home”, “what will I find when I get back”. Here are some simple tips to help ease your mind while you are away:

Don’t post your vacation on Social Media before or during your trip. This sends out a big signal to EVERYONE that you are not home. I know it is hard, but wait until you return to post those awesome memories for everyone to see.
Have a Security System? If you do, make sure that it is set. It wouldn’t hurt to have a close family member or friend with a key to your home and access codes, just in case something comes up while you are gone. If you don’t, make sure to talk to your neighbors so they can be on the lookout for anything strange or out of the ordinary.
Take photos of your personal property. This is a simple step that can save you a lot of time in the event of a loss (also shows proof of property). With technology today it is as simple as taking photos with your phone or digital camera. I would suggest downloading the pictures to a USB drive and having a friend hang on to it while you are gone. Or, you can go to an online site like www.knowyourstuff.org and sign up online to keep a Home inventory. Or, you can even get a Home Inventory App for your phone.
Keep your jewelry, special documentation, guns, etc. in a home safe. If it is a small lock box or safe, make sure that it is secured to the home in some way (may want to secure to the floor etc).
If you are going to be gone for a longer trip, you might want to turn off your water (unless you have sprinklers set up on a timer. This will help in case there happens to be a malfunction to your washing machine or dishwasher hoses. (This step in more important in winter when pipes could freeze).
For your personal property on you while you are away, I would suggest having copies of your credit cards and the company numbers in case your wallet is stolen. Review your homeowner’s Policy for theft coverages. Some policies will cover personal jewelry, etc. Make sure to have your agent’s information in case you need it.