Closing Your Home for Holiday Travel

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One of the most stressful parts about traveling for the holidays is thinking about your home just sitting there unattended. Your mind may go to burglars, fire, or if you left on something that could raise your electricity bill. Below are some pointers to ensure your home will be safe and sound while you are away. 

Pointer #1 – Keep an Eye on it
Today, there are many different home video monitoring systems available online. You can even go to your local hardware store and find them. This will allow you to use a computer with internet access or a smartphone to log in and check out what is going on while you and your family are away. 

Pointer #2 – Stop Delivered Subscriptions and Mail Delivery
There is nothing like a big red flag announcing to thieves that you are away like newspapers piling up out front. Also, if your mailbox is overflowing or if your have deliveries at your door that are not picked up, you are telling everyone you are not home. Be sure to call and arrange for any subscriptions and your mail to be put on hold until you return. 

Pointer #3 – Unplug Everything
This may sound unnecessary, but the more you leave plugged in, the more electricity will be used and the more of a chance of a fire. Power surges can cause sparks that can very easily lead to a fire. If you are not home to call 911 or are not home to put the fire out yourself...well you could lose your beautiful home. 

Pointer #4 – Turn off the Air Conditioner
Traveling during the holidays usually means the Brazos Valley temperatures are not the usual hotter than hot. This is great, because you can turn off the a/c and not come home to a sweltering home. However, if the weather is going to be below freezing while you are away, you will actually want to leave it on, but set the thermostat to between 50 and 60 degrees. This will ensure you do not come home to frozen pipes. 

If you are going to be away for a week or more, you should let a trusted friend or neighbor know, so they can keep an eye on your home for you.  Another option would be to hire a house sitter.  Following these tips will help you feel more at ease while you are on your holiday adventure. 

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