Keeping Homes Safe While Traveling

Holiday trips are a wonderful chance to visit family, take a vacation, and enjoy meaningful time away from home. Whether you are leaving Taylorsville for a long weekend or traveling farther across the country, a little preparation before departure can make the trip feel much less stressful.

An empty house may face a higher risk of burglary, unnoticed plumbing leaks, and other preventable issues. Fortunately, you do not need an elaborate plan to protect your property. A few practical steps can help safeguard your home and provide greater peace of mind while you are away.

Lock and Check All Access Points

Before heading out, make a point to secure every entrance to your home. The front door is usually the first thing homeowners check, but less-used doors and windows can be easy to miss when packing and leaving in a hurry.

Walk around the outside of the property and inspect side doors, back doors, garage doors, gates, and ground-level windows. Confirm that each one is fully closed and locked. This brief final check can reduce opportunities for someone to enter your home without permission.

Take Steps to Avoid Plumbing Problems

Break-ins may be the first concern that comes to mind when a home is vacant, but water damage can create equally serious problems. Even a minor leak can cause extensive damage when it continues for several days without anyone there to notice it.

If you will be gone for an extended period, consider turning off the main water supply to the house. When that is not an option, you may still be able to lower the risk by shutting off water to appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator ice maker.

Giving your plumbing a quick review before a trip can help prevent an unpleasant and expensive surprise when you return. It is one small part of protecting the home you have worked hard to maintain.

Create the Appearance That Someone Is Home

A home that stays dark night after night can make it apparent that no one is there. Making the property appear occupied is a straightforward way to discourage unwanted attention.

Set indoor lamps and exterior lights on timers so they switch on and off at reasonable times in the evening. A normal-looking lighting routine can make the house feel lived in without asking someone to stay at your property.

Timers are generally affordable, easy to use, and useful for homeowners who want an extra layer of confidence while traveling.

Let a Reliable Neighbor Know You Are Away

Smart home technology can alert you to certain issues, but it cannot pick up a delivery, bring a trash can in from the curb, or take a closer look when something does not seem right. A dependable neighbor, friend, or nearby family member can be especially helpful while you are gone.

Tell that person your travel dates and ask whether they can periodically check the property. They may be able to collect packages, move bins after trash collection, and spot concerns such as storm damage, an open gate, or a light that has been left on unexpectedly.

Having a trusted person nearby who knows the house should be empty can allow for a quicker response if a problem develops during your trip.

Keep Mail and Deliveries From Accumulating

A full mailbox, newspapers at the driveway, or boxes sitting on the porch can quickly reveal that residents have been away. Preventing those visible signs of vacancy is an important part of home security during holiday travel.

Before leaving, schedule a hold through the USPS mail-hold service. If you expect packages to arrive, arrange for a friend, family member, or neighbor to bring them inside until you are back home.

Managing mail and deliveries helps your property look attended to throughout your time away.

Unplug Items That Do Not Need Power

Before locking up, unplug electrical devices and appliances that do not need to remain connected. This is a simple way to reduce electrical risks and avoid leaving behind something that could become a concern while the home is empty.

Countertop kitchen appliances, phone chargers, hair tools, space heaters, and similar items should be disconnected before you leave. A final room-by-room walkthrough can help you catch anything that was accidentally left plugged in.

It only takes a few minutes and can make it easier to relax once your trip is underway.

Prepare Your Home and Review Your Coverage

Time away during the holidays should be focused on the people and experiences that matter to you, not on worrying about your house back in North Carolina. Securing entry points, reducing water and electrical hazards, and asking someone nearby to keep watch can lower exposure to common risks.

Preparation is valuable, but unexpected events can still occur. That is why it is important to understand the protection included in your homeowners insurance policy and the steps required if you need to report a loss.

Benfield Insurance Agency provides personalized homeowners insurance guidance for residents of Taylorsville, Alexander County, and surrounding North Carolina communities, including Hickory, Statesville, Lenoir, and Wilkesboro. As a local independent insurance agency, we can help you review your home insurance policy, discuss your coverage needs, and compare options from trusted carriers. Contact Benfield Insurance Agency at (828) 632-6505 before your next trip to discuss your homeowners insurance coverage and request a quote.