4 Tips That HOA Members Should Remember When Taking A Trip

Throughout the year, many homeowners rush to get the supplies needed for their trips, but one critical matter they tend to forget is the security of their home.  When a home is left empty for a prolonged period of time, it becomes susceptible to several risks such as fires and theft.  Try exercising the following safety strategies to minimize the risks and keep your property safe while you’re away.

 

One indicator that burglars use to know a place is empty is an absence of lights for days or lights that are consistently on at the same time each day.  Fortunately, these days there are smart lighting control systems that help confuse any potential intruder.  When the lights go on and off at normal times, it increases the chance an intruder might reconsider breaking in.

 

If you’ll be gone for a few days or longer, asking a friend to check on your property periodically is an excellent tactic that improves safety.  With an active community on the neighborhood website, that platform could be used to inform neighbors so they don’t mistakenly raise an alarm.

 

An overflowing mailbox or a stack of newspapers at your doorstep is an obvious sign that nobody is home.  Some homeowners inform the mail service and newspaper person to stop delivering temporarily.  Upon returning home, be sure to notify the post office and collect mail that accumulated during your trip.

 

Before you leave, double check that everything is in order.  Are the doors and windows locked?  Is the main circuit breaker turned off?  Is the water supply turned off at the point of entry?  These small tasks could save your home from intruders and accidental fires or flooding.  As a homeowner who wants to help the community, take advantage of this opportunity and share these tips on the neighborhood website so more neighbors enjoy their trip.