How to Safeguard Your Community During Summer Travels

Summer is the perfect season to embark on adventures to beaches, campsites, cruises, and beyond. The excitement of a getaway requires careful planning, not just for the trip itself, but also for the safety and maintenance of your community while residents take a break. Whether you manage a high-rise complex, a condominium, or a master-planned neighborhood, it’s essential to educate residents on how to prepare their homes for an extended absence. Implement these key strategies to ensure your community remains secure and well-preserved while everyone enjoys their summer escapades.

Inform Property Management of Your Trip

Regardless of whether your community is managed by a professional team or is self-serviced, it’s crucial to notify the property management office if you'll be away for several days. If your home or neighborhood is protected by a private security service, updating them on your absence is also beneficial.

Maintain the Appearance of an Occupied Home

Returning from a wonderful trip to find your home burglarized is a nightmare nobody wants to experience. Fortunately, several proactive measures can deter potential burglars who may be observing for vacant properties.

To start, when packing your car, do so discreetly. Utilize your garage if possible to prevent prying eyes from noticing your departure. Temporarily halt direct deliveries of mail and newspapers since accumulating items signal an empty home. The U.S. and Canadian postal services offer mail-holding options to help with this.

Additionally, limit online orders just prior to leaving unless you’ve arranged an alternate pickup spot, such as an Amazon Locker, or have someone available to collect your packages. Not only can theft be an issue, but packages left unattended can also be damaged. Avoid sharing your travel plans on social media, as privacy settings can’t always shield your absence from being noticed. If numerous neighbors will be gone at the same time, inform your local police department.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Lower your summer energy bill by conserving energy while you’re away. To avoid alerting anyone to your absence, do not leave your home entirely dark, but ensure you’re not wasting energy either.

Smart technology can provide the perfect solution. Smart lightbulbs, TVs, and other appliances can be managed from your smartphone, simulating activity in your home. These devices also enable you to vary the timing of lights for a natural appearance. Further, smart doorbells can alert you to any visitors, allowing you to see and communicate with them. Alternatively, simple outlet timers can manage lighting schedules. Maintain slightly open blinds to give the impression someone is home.

Keep your air conditioner on but at a higher setting, unless pets are present, to imply occupancy. Consider switching off the circuit breaker or gas valve to your hot water heater, or reducing the temperature setting, to conserve energy and save money.

Ensure Continuous Landscaping and Maintenance

If you’ll be away for an extended period, arrange for your lawn to be mowed, bushes maintained, and your pool cleaned regularly. Overgrown vegetation and a neglected pool clearly signal an unoccupied home.

In-Home Pet Care Solutions

If your summer plans don’t include your furry friends, consider having them cared for at home rather than in a kennel. It's more comforting for your pets and adds to the illusion of an occupied house. Your veterinarian may suggest reliable pet sitters, and many boarding facilities now offer in-home services. Online platforms like TaskRabbit, Care.com, and Rover.com also provide directories of professional sitters willing to care for your pets at your home.

Reach Out for Assistance

Having a trustworthy friend or neighbor to rely on while you're away is invaluable. Provide them with a key, and leave an emergency contact number. Have them periodically check on your home to ensure everything is in order.

If you’ll be gone on trash day, ask if they can manage your bins to prevent them from lingering outside. Parking a car in your driveway and retrieving mail or papers makes the home seem occupied.

Offer to return the favor when your neighbors travel, and thank them with a small gift to show appreciation. This fosters a reliable network of trust, strengthening community bonds and giving peace of mind when leaving home behind.

By following these straightforward guidelines, you can conserve energy, deter intruders, and enjoy your summer getaway with the assurance that your home and community are in good hands.