Preparing your home for a stress-free getaway

Thankfully, there are lots of things you can do to keep your home safe and secure and lower your risk of a problem occurring, giving you the best chance of a care-free getaway.

Check your home insurance
Check that policies are up to date and cover all your valuable items.

Is your alarm working?
If you have an intruder alarm, make sure the alarm and sensors are working properly. Remember to set your alarm when you leave.

Install timers
Set lights to come on at intervals to make it appear as though someone is home.

Lock everything!
Take your time locking windows and doors, not forgetting the garage and any outbuildings, such as the shed. Double-check each lock for peace of mind!

Spare keys
Take your house keys with you, but make sure you leave a spare with someone you trust. Avoid leaving a key in an obvious place, such as under a plant pot or mat.

Turn water off at the mains
Turning off the supply will prevent any leaks or floods.

Unplug electronics
Help prevent fires by unplugging non-essential electronics at the wall - not forgetting TVs on stand-by.

Fix those DIY niggles
Get on top of any jobs that could leave your home more vulnerable, such as windows that do not shut properly, or a broken lock on the back gate.

Smarten up the outside
A freshly mown lawn or quick sweep of your yard or path, removing any rubbish, will give the impression that you are around, even when you are not.

Reschedule deliveries
Intruders are looking for clues that you are away, so a package left sitting outside your home is an immediate giveaway.

Tell a neighbour
If you have a friendly neighbour, ask them to keep an eye on things. Give them your contact details so they can reach you if needed.

Be social media savvy
Be careful about sharing online where you are and what you are doing – your holiday snap could be an unintended tip-off to an intruder. Check your location sharing settings and make sure your posts are restricted to just friends.