Vacation Security Checklist: Protect Your Home While You're Away
Burglars look for signs of an empty home: piled-up mail, dark windows, overgrown lawns, and social media posts announcing you are gone. A few simple steps before you leave can make your home look lived-in and dramatically reduce your risk. Print this checklist and run through it before every trip.
Before You Leave: Make It Look Occupied
- Set indoor lights on randomized timers (smart plugs make this easy)
- Leave a radio or TV on a timer in a main room
- Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally
- Arrange for lawn care to continue on schedule
- Have a neighbor or friend collect mail, packages, and newspapers daily
- Place a hold on USPS mail if no one can collect it
- Keep blinds and curtains in their normal positions
Lock Down and Secure
Lock Every Entry Point
Check every door, window, and garage entry. Lock the door between your garage and house. Close and lock pet doors. Secure sliding doors with a bar or Charlie bar in the track.
Activate Your Security System
Arm your system in "away" mode (all sensors active). Verify your monitoring subscription is current. Test that you receive mobile alerts. Make sure camera batteries are charged and WiFi is stable.
Unplug Non-Essential Electronics
Unplug small appliances to prevent electrical fires and reduce the risk of power surge damage during storms. Leave your refrigerator, security system, and light timers plugged in.
Adjust Thermostat and Water
Set your thermostat to a reasonable range (55°F minimum in winter to prevent frozen pipes, 85°F maximum in summer to prevent mold). Consider shutting off the main water valve if you will be gone more than a week to prevent flood damage.
Give a Trusted Person Access
Key and Alarm Code
Give a spare key and alarm code to one trusted person. Provide your security company's phone number. Use a smart lock with a temporary access code that you can revoke remotely after your trip.
Emergency Contacts
Leave your trusted person with contact numbers for your plumber, electrician, and HVAC company. If a pipe bursts while you are in another country, they need to be able to act fast.
Camera Access
If you have security cameras, share viewing access with your trusted person through the camera app. Two sets of eyes monitoring is better than one, especially across time zones.
Insurance Info
Leave a copy of your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy number and agent contact. If something happens, your trusted person can start the claims process immediately.