Summer is a time for family getaways in the Philippines, with school out and kids excited about vacation trips. Many Filipino families take this time to go on road trips, international travel, or even short stays at vacation rentals by the beach.
Your summer vacation safety checklist should include items like getting travel insurance and supplemental medical insurance for medical care, and reviewing the airport security screening process if you’re leaving the country. However, you also need to ensure that your home is safe and secure.
While summer is a time for fun, it’s also important to ensure that your home remains safe while you’re away. After all, protecting your property is crucial so you can focus on enjoying your summer vacation.
Home Safety Tips While You’re on Summer Vacation
While you’re planning your summer vacation with friends and family, don’t forget to get your home prepared for when you’re gone. You can never be too aware or prepared for whatever may happen, especially when you’re at your travel destination away from home.
Here are some helpful safety tips to keep your home secure during summer travels.
Plan Ahead and Secure Your Home
One of the most important things you can do before leaving for your vacation destination is to plan ahead.
This is an essential part of travel safety tips for families, especially those with small kids. Start by checking your locks—make sure all windows and doors are properly secured. Consider installing a modern security system that can send alerts to your cell phone if there is any unusual activity.
For those who own swimming pools in their properties, it is important to secure this as well since you do not want any accidental drowning in your backyard when you are away and will not be able to request assistance.
If you don’t have a security system, you can use smart devices to help you monitor your home while you’re away. Some options even allow you to turn lights on and off from any location to give the appearance that someone is home, which can help deter burglars.
Enlist Help from Friends or Neighbors
Before you leave, ask a trusted neighbor, relative, or friend to keep an eye on your house. Having someone you trust visit your home regularly will make a big difference in deterring criminals.
They can collect mail, water plants, and make sure your home appears lived in. It’s important to leave them with essential information cards, such as emergency contact numbers (for example, of a police officer’s line or your fire station).
You can also leave any special instructions for taking care of pets or plants.
Hide Valuables
Make sure to hide or pack away valuable items in your home. This includes electronics, important documents, cash, and jewelry. These items should be stored in a safe place that’s not easily visible to potential intruders.
These tips are applicable both at home and even on your summer vacation. Consider renting a vacation rental with added security measures or choose an area with lower crime rates to keep your family safe and out of danger.
If you have valuables with you on your summer vacation, practice leaving those items in a safe in your hotel room, for instance.
Lock All Windows and Doors
When getting ready for a summer vacation or trip, it can get busy. There are lots of things to think about – you need to get the kids ready, pack all essentials, and have snacks prepared, among other things. It’s easy to forget to check that all windows and doors are locked before leaving for your trip.
However, it’s essential to secure your home to prevent break-ins. Even if you’re just stepping out for a few days, locking windows and doors should be a top priority. Also, double-check that any outdoor gates are secure.
Avoid Sharing Your Travel Plans on Social Media
While it’s tempting to share pictures of your travels with friends and family, it’s a good idea to wait until you return home to post.
Sharing your travel plans or checking in at various locations online can give potential burglars an idea of when you’ll be away from home. Also, take the time to educate your kids on staying safe online, so pass on these safety tips. This is one of those travel safety tips that can help protect your house from unwanted attention.
Take Precautions for Your Car
Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or a longer adventure outside the country, your car needs to be properly prepared.
When leaving your car parked at home during summer vacation, keep it secure by locking all doors and windows. Avoid leaving valuables inside, especially in plain sight.
Consider using a steering wheel lock or an alarm system for added security. If possible, park in a well-lit area or your garage to reduce the risk of theft. You can also ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your car while you’re away. Lastly, make sure your vehicle is in good condition before your trip to avoid any issues upon your return, including checking tire pressure and fluid levels.
Ensure your vehicle is in top condition before hitting the road by checking tire pressure, the oil level, and the engine. Don’t forget to adhere to vehicle load limits to prevent any risk while driving.
Bonus Tips for Traveling in Your Vehicle
If you’re bringing your car on long road trips, make sure your car is equipped with emergency medical benefits, including a first aid kit, band-aids, and disinfectant spray. Additionally, always carry your medical insurance documents and any important phone numbers with you in case of medical emergencies.
If you’re traveling with small children, remember to bring car seats appropriate for their age and size. Bringing their special toys, books, and downloading movies are handy for long travels to keep them from getting restless.
If you’re traveling outside the country, it’s also a good idea to check their laws and policies around the use of car seats for children. Different cities may have varying rules around having kids travel in a car, with some requiring specific types of car seats or not allowing children in the front seat.
Safety in your vehicle is essential during a road trip, and being prepared is one of the best ways to stay safe.
Hire a Professional House Sitter
If you’ll be away for an extended period, it might be worth hiring a professional house sitter. This person can stay in your home and ensure it remains safe while you’re away.
A house sitter can handle tasks such as taking care of pets, maintaining the garden, and watching over your property. It’s an additional safety measure that can help you relax during your vacation.
Check for Any Perishable Items
While it’s good to practice clearing out your pantry and kitchen regularly anyway, it’s even more important if you’re leaving for a vacation.
Before leaving for your trip, do a thorough check of the items in your refrigerator and pantry. If there’s any food expiring soon, make sure to consume it immediately or dispose of it properly.
After all, you want to save yourself the trouble of having to deal with moldy food items when you get back from your vacation.
Clean Your Home Before You Go
A clean home is not only a pleasant sight when you return from your travels, but it’s also safer. A cluttered home can hide hazards and make it more difficult to spot potential issues.
Before heading out on your trip, do a quick sweep of your home to remove any items that could pose a safety risk, like loose wires, tripping hazards, or any items that could catch fire. It would also be a good idea to wash and wipe down greasy kitchen appliances that are also fire hazards.
Review Fire Safety Features
Fire safety is crucial, especially during the summer when higher temperatures increase the risk of fire. Be sure that your home has the appropriate fire safety features, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear escape routes.
If you’re living in a Camella development, you’re in luck, as many of their properties are built with integrated fire safety features.
Camella developers prioritize your family’s safety, integrating fire safety features like sprinklers, fire alarms, and secure exits in their properties. This is an added layer of protection that ensures peace of mind when you’re at home or even when you’re away.
A Safe Home is Key to an Enjoyable Summer Vacation
With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy your summer vacation without worrying about your home’s safety.
Always remember to plan ahead, enlist help from trusted friends or neighbors, and secure your property before leaving. Whether you’re off for a road trip, international travel, or a staycation in a vacation rental, these tips will ensure your home is safe while you enjoy your well-deserved summer escape.
Stay safe and enjoy your summer with these safety tips!
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