With All Souls Day right around the corner, it’s always the time of the year when people would leave their respective homes to visit their long gone relatives. It’s a tradition that’s been going on for years and as much as we’d like to skip going home to our respective provinces, people usually grab the chance to get a brief respite or two because All Souls Day (along with All Saints Day) is a legal holiday here in the Philippines. Not to mention that December is also just a month away…
Before you know it, all your bags are packed and you are ready to go home for the holidays. Unfortunately, some people can be a little too careless and what was a holiday when you left may quickly turn into a nightmare when you come back. Either your house or apartment was burned to a crisp because you forgot to unplug all electronic devices at home or thieves have stolen everything that was valuable inside your house or apartment!
We simply cannot stress the importance of keeping your home or apartment safe and secure when you’re gone for an extended period of time. This is why we’re going to talk about some of the best tips that will keep your home safe and sound while you’re gone for the holidays.
1. Unplug and turn off all electronic appliances inside your house or apartment: Double check the house before leaving and make sure that your electric meter is also turned off before you leave your premises. In case you have an aquarium or any electronic device that need to be constantly on (security cameras and others), get a good voltage regulator or have someone reliable check your home from time to time.
2. A few days before leaving for the holidays, always check the locks of your house: Check your windows and make sure that these can’t be easily broken or removed. If your windows do not have grills, then now might be the right time to get it, especially if you live in a rough neighborhood. Door locks should be inspected and replaced when broken.
3. Install a battery-operated door alarm for your home: I have seen a lot of these cheap door alarms in shopping malls and hardware stores and these are very efficient in scaring off robbers and alarming your neighbors, especially during at night.
4. Double-check your gas range and make sure that the gas valve is turned off properly: If you live in an apartment or condo, you can talk to the apartment or condo owner about turning off the gas tank for your room, since you’re going away for a few days or weeks.
5. Ask a reliable friend or relative to stay in your house or apartment: For a few days while you’re out of town. Why not? This is your only option if you have pets that need to be taken cared of while you are away. Make sure to give this friend or relative a reward once you’re back though!
These tips might sound simple enough, but they can save you a lot of money and headaches! So the next time you plan for a trip, keep these tips in mind. Keeping your home or apartment safe and sound is an investment that you should seriously take into consideration at all times!
