As we continue exploring our backyards and soaking up the last few days of summer, every time we leave our homes for a getaway, one thing should be top of mind: safety. Not only do you need to keep your own health and wellness in check before you leave, but the security of your home while you’re away is key to a relaxing vacation. Here are our top tips for leaving the nest safely, even for just a few days.
1. Share where you’re going
Share your travel itinerary or documents with someone trusted back home, in case they need to help in an emergency. It’s always a good idea to keep loved ones aware of where you’re going, when you’re leaving, and when you’ll be returning. Plans tend to change along the way, so keep them up to date on your journey.
2. Prepare your home
Leading up to your trip, it’s a good time to review your homeowner’s insurance plan. Most plans require someone to check your home every 72 to 96 hours. Ask a trusted neighbour to check on your home and collect your mail, or have Canada Post hold your mail, so it doesn’t pile up and tip criminals off that you’re away. If you’d like to let someone into your home while you’re away, a Smart Lock enables you to create a temporary entry code that only works for the times you specify.
3. Take inventory of your valuables
If you haven’t already, take photos of your valuables and electronics with serial numbers, makes, and models, so you have a record in case something happens while you’re gone. Don’t forget to do so with the devices you’re travelling with too! It’s also a good idea to take photos of your home in its current condition, in case anything is taken or out of place.
4. Let tech be your go to
To reduce your heating costs, invest in a smart thermostat, or adjust your thermostat to ensure your home stays warm enough to prevent your pipes from freezing. If possible, use smart bulbs to control your lights while you’re away.
Other helpful home security gadgets include smart cameras, like the TELUS Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera and the Slimline Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera. The weatherproof outdoor camera can capture live and recorded video around your home, so your house is kept under reliable surveillance, even in the dark. Have a parcel arriving while you’re away? You can instruct the postman where to leave it with the Slimline Doorbell Camera, which connects to an app to provide live and recorded footage to see, hear and speak with who’s at the door.
Tip: Using your outdoor camera analytics, you can create lighting automation to pick up movement and automatically turn on a connected light!
No matter where you’re going, investing in the safety and security of your home will not only give you piece of mind while you’re away, but will protect you in your day-to-day life as well. Smart devices make it easy to customize your preferences, learn your habits, and even reduce your insurance and energy bills! Shop some of our favourite home security products mentioned above from TELUS here.
Over to you
Do you have any tips for how to keep your home safe while you travel? Share them with us in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!
Safe travels,
Linnea
