Home Safety Checks Before Leaving for Holiday Travel

by Adam Zahra

🏡 Home Safety Checks Before Leaving for Holiday Travel

The Military Group | Serving Those Who Serve

Holiday travel is exciting, but leaving your home unattended—especially during colder months—requires a little extra preparation. Whether you're heading out for a long weekend or a full holiday trip, taking preventive steps now can protect your home, avoid costly surprises, and give you real peace of mind while you're away.

Below are simple, effective safety checks to complete before you head out:

1️⃣ Keep Your Home Warm Enough

Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to prevent frozen pipes in colder climates.
If you use a smart thermostat, switch it to away mode or schedule temperature adjustments to maintain a safe, energy-efficient balance while you're gone.

2️⃣ Secure All Entry Points

Double-check doors, windows, sliders, and garage entrances.

Ensure everything locks properly
Close blinds or curtains in a natural, lived-in way
Arm your security system and test cameras before leaving
Remote monitoring can give you extra peace of mind while you're traveling.

3️⃣ Unplug Unnecessary Electronics

Reduce fire risks and save energy by unplugging items such as:

Small kitchen appliances
Lamps
Televisions
Chargers
These small steps make a big difference in overall home safety.

4️⃣ Protect Your Pipes & Water System

To minimize water damage risks:

Consider shutting off your main water supply if you'll be gone for an extended time
At minimum, turn off water to washing machines and dishwashers
In colder climates, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate

A few preventive actions now could save thousands in repairs later.

5️⃣ Arrange Snow or Yard Care

If you live in a snowy area, set up someone to clear your driveway and walkway.
This not only keeps your home looking occupied—deterring unwanted attention—but may also be required by HOAs or local ordinances.

6️⃣ Have Someone You Trust Check In

Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to do a quick walk-around every so often. They can catch:

Leaks
Broken windows
Package buildup
Any unusual activity

Having eyes on your home makes a big difference.

7️⃣ Final Checks Before You Leave

Be sure to:
✔ Test smoke detectors
✔ Take out the trash
✔ Secure outdoor furniture
✔ Store vehicles safely
✔ Turn off interior lights—or place a lamp on a timer

A quick checklist ensures nothing is overlooked.