When you’re taking a long vacation, it’s natural to be a little worried about the house. You want to know that your home is safe from intruders, as well as threats like flood and fire. Taking a few steps like shutting down the water before you head out the door will make your home safer. Here are a few things you can do with your electric system to help set your mind at ease.
Low-Voltage Lighting
One thing criminals hate is lighting. They don’t like being in a position where someone passing by on the street can see them. Before you book the hotel, have a Miami electrician add low-voltage landscape lighting to minimize shadows and make your house less appealing to intruders. You’ll also make your home safer when you are in town, and that will help you sleep better at night.
Confusion with Timers
Criminals like to case houses, but that doesn’t mean that they camp across the street to watch a place. They will, however, drive through the neighborhood at different times to see who has dark houses and whose got light on. Put a few lamps and even the radio on timers to come on at different times of the day and night. This makes it harder for people to determine if you’re home or not.
Shut Down Appliances
If you have electric appliances like the hot water heater, take a moment to put it on vacation mode before you go. You’ll save on the heating bill as a result. You can also make sure your air conditioner is set to stay on 80 degrees or so. This will prevent the house from heating up too much without costing a small fortune.
Go High-Tech
Another option is to have an automated home system installed. Available from your local electrician in Miami and some specialty companies, these systems let you control your lights, thermostat and alarm from remote locations. Have a surveillance system installed and you can literally look in on your property from the other side of the globe.
There are several ways to keep your home safe when you travel, and these are some of the most effective. You might also want to consider enlisting a friend or relative to stop in and physically check on the house from time to time. With the mail stopped and your newspaper on hold, you’ll be ready to enjoy the vacation.