Vacations should be golden opportunities to relax and leave our worries behind. Unfortunately, vacations are also the time when our homes are most vulnerable. Damage that would be minor when we are at home can turn into larger and more expensive problems when we are away. Theft is another threat. People return home to discover that their computers, jewellery, electronics and other belongings have been damaged or stolen. Whether you are leaving for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation around the world, it pays to prepare.

Security

The best burglar deterrent is to create the illusion that someone is at home. Consider these tips:

1. Install indoor and outdoor motion sensors. Indoor motion sensors emit a laser beam, which when broken, will cause a loud alarm to sound for a few minutes. This may be enough to frighten some burglars, particularly if you have placed the motion sensor out of sight. Outdoor motion sensors also emit a laser beam, which when broken, will turn on a light. This is an economical way to provide outdoor security lighting.
2. Park a car in your driveway. This gives the immediate impression that someone is home. However, if you are taking a vacation during the winter, the car may become covered with snow, which will send a message that no one is home.
3. Lock all windows and doors. You may wish to install metal security bars on your windows, particularly those located in the basement. Choose security bars that have quick-release safety latches for easy escape from inside the home in case of emergency.
4. Don't leave a message on your answering machine letting people know you are on vacation. A message such as, "Hi you've reached the Smiths. We're off to Florida! See you in three weeks!" would seem like an open invitation to a burglar.
5. Keep the blinds and curtains closed.
6. Use a timer to turn lights on and off around your home. New digital timers allow you to program multiple on/off times. It is also a good idea to plug a radio into a digital timer and tune into a talk radio station at normal volume.
7. Ask a friend or trusted neighbour to pick up your mail. A pile of mail in your mailbox is an indication to burglars that no one is home. Alternately, arrange to have your mail held for you at the post office.
8. Never hide a house key outdoors in fairly obvious places such as under flowerpots, on the ledge above the door or even inside fake rocks. If you cannot think of a safe hiding place, you may wish to leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbour in case of emergencies.
9. Hide your valuables in unlikely places such as in shoeboxes at the back of the closet or in the freezer. Just be sure to remember your hiding places!
10. If you are planning to take an extended trip, consider hiring a home security company to install an alarm system.

Damage

Fire and water are two common causes of property damage. The following precautions may help you avoid unwelcome homecoming surprises:

1. Unplug all appliances and electronics including televisions, computers, coffee makers, toaster ovens and stereos. A lightning strike or a power surge can send an electrical charge through your home's wiring which in turn may damage your electronics and possibly cause a fire. The only appliances that you should leave plugged in are lamps and radios set on timers as burglary prevention.
2. Turn off the water supply. If you have an irrigation system and you are taking a vacation during the summer, leave the main water valve open but close the valves to toilets, faucets, icemakers, and hoses. This will allow your irrigation system to operate normally while preventing the possibility of floods occurring inside your home. If you do not have an irrigation system, you may wish to turn off the main water supply.
3. Clean out the refrigerator. Anything that will be inedible by the time you return should be consumed, put in the freezer (if appropriate), or thrown out. Some of the most creative meals happen just before a vacation!

Seasonal Tips

Winter

1. Hire someone to shovel your walkway. This gives the appearance that someone is home and also makes it possible for a delivery person to deliver your mail. Remember, if you plan to be gone for more than a few days, it is a good idea to put a hold on your mail or have a friend collect your mail regularly.
2. As mentioned above, turn off the water supply to prevent water from freezing and bursting the pipes particularly those that run through outer walls and the garage.
3. Normally, irrigation systems are flushed and shut down in the fall. If you forgot to do this in the fall, it may be too late to flush the lines but it is wise to turn off the water supply.
4. Turn down the heat to no lower than 55 °F (13 °C)