Summer’s coming up and you know what that means - vacay time! We here at ADT’s are pros on all thing's safety. Not only is it important to practice safety protocols while on vacation, but it’s important to make sure your empty home is safe too! So, whether you’re gone for a day, a weekend, or longer we’ve got you covered on how you should be prepping your home for your time away. 

 

Go ahead and take that relaxing vacation, you deserve it! We’re here to help you feel less stressed when leaving your home for your trip. 

When you leave for one day

Day trips are a blast, so much adventure can be had in such a short amount of time! However, just because you’re not going to be away for very long doesn’t mean you shouldn’t secure your home. Below are a few tips that everyone venturing out on a day trip should take: 

  • Lock all of your doors and windows. Don’t forget to set your ADT alarm to “Arm Away” when leaving!

  • Leave your curtains exactly how you usually leave them. Don’t create suspicion by doing something out of the ordinary, like closing them if you normally keep them open during the day. 

  • Be sure to have a plan for your pet. Dogs should not be left alone for more than 5 hours, and cats should not be left alone for more than 24 hours. Be sure to have a trustworthy friend swing by to feed and walk your pets or arrange to drop them off at a daycare facility.

 

When you leave for a weekend

Sometimes, a weekend trip is all us busy bee workers have time for. A weekend is definitely a great amount of time to step away from reality and recharge. There are some important home safety tips to follow, even if you’re just going away for the weekend. Check out some of our tips below to make sure you are as prepared as possible for your weekend getaway. 

  • Do not broadcast your plans online. Although it’s tempting to post your getaway on social media, it is just advertising to your followers that your home is unoccupied for the weekend. 

  • Hide or lock up all valuables. Installing a safe in your home for valuables is always a great idea, but if you do not have one then we recommend hiding all of your valuables as best as you can.

  • If you have more than one car in your household, be sure to keep the car you’re not driving in your driveway.

  • Unplug all nonessential electronics to minimize the risk of an electrical fire. 

  • Clear out the mailbox. Overflowing mail is one of the most obvious signs of an empty house. Be sure to clear out mail before leaving.

  • Of course, you can’t let your plant babies die! Be sure to water your plants before you go and invest in a self-watering device for any plant that needs daily watering. 

 

When you leave for a week+ 

Look at you, taking that extra-long vacation, go you! When taking a vacation that is longer than a week it’s important to take a few extra steps for your home’s security. For the ultimate peace of mind while on a long vacation, follow the tips below:

  • Keep your yard maintained by hiring someone to mow your lawn, clear storm drains and gutters, or remove snow.

  • Use ADT smart lights to create the illusion that someone is home at night.

  • Lock up any expensive decor or gadgets from your yard, such as bikes or mowing equipment.  

  • Go to your local post office and place a hold on your mail until you return.

  • Check (and replace if necessary) all batteries in your home security devices.

  • Shut off your water main and switch your water heater to vacation mode. 

  

No matter how long your trip is, an ADT security system will help give you peace of mind. Knowing you can check in on your home at any time via the security cameras is a game-changer. ADT customers enjoy the best peace of mind, whether home or away. If you’re interested in becoming an ADT customer, visit our website.

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