05/01/2023

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home While You’re Away

Going on a trip can be an exciting and fun experience. However, before you hit the road or board a plane, it’s important to make sure your home is ready for your departure. By taking a few simple steps before you head out the door, you can ensure that your home is secure while you’re away. Here are five home security tips to help you prepare your home before leaving for your trip!

Turn Off the Lights

Before you leave, be sure to turn off all lights in your home. This not only helps conserve energy but also gives the impression that someone is still home. Leaving lights on for extended periods can attract unwanted attention, which can put your home at risk of burglary.

Unplug Appliances and Electronics

Unplugging appliances and electronics before leaving on a trip can help prevent fires while you’re away. Make sure to unplug any non-essential devices, like lamps, unused chargers and slow cookers. Also, consider unplugging appliances such as your toaster, coffee maker and microwave. This will help reduce the risk of electrical fires while you’re enjoying your trip.

Set the Thermostat Accordingly

It’s important to set your thermostat accordingly before leaving on a trip. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, you may want to turn off your HVAC system entirely. However, if you’re only going to be gone for a few days, you can set your thermostat to a lower temperature to save energy.

Remove the Spare Key

If you have a spare key hidden under a rock or a garden gnome, it’s time to find a new hiding spot. Burglars are pretty good at finding hidden keys, so make sure you remove any potential risks. If you need to leave a spare key for someone to keep your plants alive or in case of emergencies, consider giving it directly to a trusted neighbor or family member.

Have the Post Office Hold Your Mail

It’s a good idea to have the post office hold your mail if you’re planning to be away from home for more than a few days. After all, a pile of mail overflowing from your mailbox is a dead giveaway that you’re not home. You probably also don’t want to come home to a mailbox full of bills and junk mail. An easy way to cut the clutter? Go paperless with OKFB! Ask your OKFB agent for more details.

Prepping your home before leaving on a trip is essential for maintaining the security and comfort of your home while you’re away. By following these home security tips, you can ensure that your home is safe, secure and ready for your return.

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Whether you’re a long-time policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we have team members who can help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your homeautocommercial and life insurance needs.

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