Safety - Mom Wife Wine

Summer is the perfect time for you to unwind and travel. It is a time to make memories with your friends or family. However, while enjoying the beach or exploring new cities, your home may become a target for break-ins or even accidents. Taking simple precautions before you leave will give you peace of mind and keep your home safe while on summer vacation.

Planning for home security is just as important as packing up your suitcase. Here are some ways to protect your home while you are away.

airplane, travel, Keep Your Home Safe While on Summer Vacation — Source

Use Smart Technology to Monitor Your Home

Smart home devices will make it easier to keep tabs on your home remotely while you are away. Video doorbells and smart cameras will allow you to monitor your activity in real-time while using your phone.

Many systems will send you instant alerts if something seems off. This could be a door opening unexpectedly or strange movements in your backyard.

Smart lighting systems can also be programmed to turn on and off so that they mimic your daily activity. This makes it look like someone is in the home.

Secure All Entry Points

Before you leave, double-check that all windows and doors are locked properly. Even the ones that you rarely use.

Reinforce your sliding glass doors and basement entrances. These are common break-in points for burglars.

For added protection, you should invest in physical security upgrades such as deadbolts, window locks, and even reinforced door frames.

Homeowners who are looking for an extra layer of defense can turn to Bulldog security screens for trusted home security. They will provide strong, tamper-resistant barriers that will not sacrifice visibility or airflow.

Avoid Broadcasting Your Trip

It can be tempting to post your vacation photos in real time. However, sharing your location on social media will often alert potential burglars that no one is home. You should wait until you return home to post about your trip.

Additionally, it is a good idea to ask a neighbor or friend to check your mailbox or even park in your driveway occasionally. A home that appears to be lived in is less likely to attract unwanted attention from the wrong people.

Unplug and Protect Against Hazards to Keep Your Home Safe While on Summer Vacation

Beyond theft, you should also make sure you protect your home from any potential hazards while you are not there. Unplug non-essential electronics to reduce the risk of fire or even power surges.

You should turn off your water supply if you will be gone for an extended period. This will prevent leaks or burst pipes.

Make sure your smoke detectors are working correctly, too. Consider using a timed sprinkler system if you want your lawn to stay green while you are away.

Keep Your Home Safe While on Summer Vacation: Peace of Mind Starts With Preparation

Leaving your home unattended shouldn’t be stressful. When you have the right tools, habits, and precautions in place, you can enjoy your summer vacation with peace of mind, knowing your property is well protected.

Would you add any other tips for how to keep your home safe while on summer vacation? Leave a comment and let us know!

Whether you drive professionally or avoid public transport during your commute, it’s crucial to make an effort to stay safe on the road. After all, there are over 2 million car accidents a year in the US, and taking the right safety precautions can help to protect yourself, your passengers, and other motorists.

With that in mind, here are some top tips to stay safe on the road!

Stay alert behind the wheel

Many accidents occur because of distracted driving. You’ll notice potential hazards quicker than if you weren’t fully alert and focused. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others is to remain alert when behind the wheel. For example, you should get enough sleep and take regular breaks during long journeys. You may also want to mute your phone so you aren’t distracted by phone calls or other notifications.

Know what to do when things go wrong

Another way to protect yourself behind the wheel is by preparing for instances when things could go wrong. For example, if you get in a collision, you should:

Get yourself to a safe place (away from oncoming traffic)
Call the relevant authorities
Check yourself and others for signs of injuries
Take photographs of the incident
Swap insurance and contact details with other parties involved

If you are in an accident, regardless of whether or not you are at fault, you should also contact a car accident lawyer. They can help you put your best foot forward during legal proceedings. It helps ensure your interests are protected – especially if you are seeking out a settlement.

Take care of your car is Key to Staying Safe On The Road

Taking good care of your car can also help avoid accidents and breakdowns. Conduct a quick inspection of your vehicle at least once a month, watching for potential maintenance issues. For example, you should always check your tire pressure before heading out.

If you’ve noticed any warning signs that your car needs some TLC, drop it off at a local garage for repairs. While you may be worried about the costs associated with this, it’s illegal to travel in a car that is not roadworthy. It also means that you should look into buying a new car, if necessary.

Give yourself plenty of time to get from A to B

According to the CDC, speeding accounts for more than 30 car accidents per day. While you may be rushing to get to your destination, you should obey all traffic laws. Not only is this important from a safety perspective, but you could also land yourself in significant legal and financial trouble.

To combat this issue, you should give yourself time to get from A to B instead of leaving at the last minute. Leaving at the last minute could encourage you to speed – especially if you’re running late.

Familiarize yourself with the route ahead of time

If you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, or heading out on a road trip, taking some time to familiarize yourself with the route you’re taking ahead of time can also help you to stay safe on the road. It will offer a better understanding of what to expect and what kind of roads or traffic you may encounter. Beyond this, it also means you’ll feel more confident about arriving at your destination safely and on time.

Avoid driving in bad weather to help with Staying Safe On The Road

Adverse weather conditions, including snow, sleet, and rain, can also impact your roadside experience. For example, heavy rain can make the roads slippery and reduce your visibility behind the wheel. It makes you much more likely to be involved in an accident when driving during a storm or heavy rainfall.

Pay close attention to the weather and weather reports before getting behind the wheel. While you may be desperate to reach your destination, it’s not worth risking your safety.

Be aware of potential hazards

You learn about the many kinds of roadside hazards when studying for your driving test. However, you can get overconfident as you grow more experienced as a driver. It often means that you may be less observant or aware of the potential hazards around you. When focusing on staying safe on the road, you should ensure that you’re always keeping an eye out for hazards.

Potential hazards that you may encounter when you drive include:

Other motorists
Pedestrians
Cyclists/Motorcyclists
Adverse weather conditions
Road obstructions
Roadworks
Crossing patrols
Narrow/winding roads
Sharp bends
Animals
Slow-moving vehicles
Traffic

Final thoughts for Staying Safe On The Road

While accidents can occur through no fault of your own, making a real effort to stay safe on the road reduces the chances of being involved in a roadside incident. These tips can help keep yourself and others safe and avoid doing lasting or expensive damage to your vehicle.

Stay focused and alert behind the wheel and adhere to all safety regulations. These regulations include wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed regulations, and stopping at red lights. While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many drivers do not follow these guidelines.

Simply put, the more focused you are on staying safe, the safer the roads will become. It should give you greater peace of mind whenever you get behind the wheel.