*This is a sponsored post.
Have you ever left home and thought, ‘oh my gosh, I think I forgot to lock the back door!‘, or ‘I hope I remembered to turn off the stove!‘. I know we have and had to go back and look to make sure we indeed did remember to do those things. Better safe than sorry, right?
You would agree with me IF you’re anything like me! Whenever I travel, a little voice in the back of your mind says, “Is my home safe? What if a fire breaks out? Could a pipe burst? Could a thief break in while I’m away?” So even though I love holiday travel, I’m never able to completely relax! Ugh.
So I breathed a sigh of relief when I was contacted by Ooma—a leading internet home communications hub—with the opportunity to deliver 4 Tips to Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel. Before you lock your doors and hop in the car, make sure you follow these steps to ensure your home is safe!
4 Tips to Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel
TIP #1: DON’T TURN YOUR THERMOSTAT OFF
Before leaving for an extended trip, it’s important to lock in a safe temperature in your central heating system. If you live somewhere with cold winters, don’t turn your thermostat off! To prevent your pipes from freezing, set the temperature lower than usual—ideally between 40 and 55 Fahrenheit.
Live in a warmer climate? Leave the thermostat at about 69 Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can completely avoid worry by controlling your thermostat remotely. Ooma detects when your thermostat is in “Away” mode and will automatically forward any home calls to your mobile device.
TIP #2: SHUT OFF THE GAS AND UNPLUG ALL APPLIANCES
Always turn off gas-powered devices such as stoves, ovens, and fireplaces, and unplug all appliances. This can prevent any accidental fires and potentially hazardous carbon monoxide leaks into your home, as well as save energy. This is especially important if you have pets at home who can’t defend themselves against unforeseen hazards. For an added layer of protection, be in the know—Ooma can warn you via text and direct you to call 911 when your Nest Protect smoke/carbon monoxide detector has been triggered.
TIP #3: DON’T KEEP YOUR TRAVEL A SECRET
When leaving home for several days, tell someone you trust where you’ll be in a case of emergencies, such as a fire, burglary, or carbon monoxide leak. Friends staying in town or a thoughtful neighbor could be options. They can keep an eye out for suspicious activity and notify you of any out-of-the-ordinary occurrences. Ooma allows you to be notified immediately when 911 is dialed and you can call them or call the police to investigate.
TIP #4: LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO MONITOR YOUR HOME
Thanks to technology, our homes are getting smarter and smarter. Did you know there are countless apps that can connect to systems in our homes—from central temperature to security systems, light bulbs to the Amazon Echo?
The Ooma Telo seamlessly interacts with your favorite smart home products and services to make your home safer and more convenient than ever before. Whether it be increased levels of carbon monoxide or a home break-in, Ooma can be the first to alert you to any danger.
You can learn more about Ooma’s home monitoring system and buy an Ooma Telo at http://www.ooma.com.
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Has an emergency ever happened at your home while you were away?
Jerry Marquardt says
Thank you so much for the tips and pointers on this very important subject. I like my home safe all year. but there well may be more targeting in the holidays, if not for desperation.
Richard Hicks says
Some super tips that all need to heed!
tridingermckee says
I am so lucky as to have a neighbor who watches out for our place. I know that uneasy feeling of leaving for a few days and worrying about the house.
Joy Venters says
good tips
Buddy Garrett says
These tips are great. I never thought of turning off the gas and unplugging appliances.
Leah Shumack says
I have a neighbor friend who I let know when I’m on a trip so she can keep an eye on my house for me! I love that technology is helping with this now! There has been a few times where I wasn’t sure if I left a door unlocked!
Kathy Pease says
No emergencies yet knock on wood but I do always worry someone will break in and steal my beauty supplies,clothes or beer
Jeani Brickner says
Luckily, I have never had something happen while we were away. I didn’t realize that I should turn off the gas and unplug the appliances. Thanks for the nice tips!
Allyson Becker says
These are great tips. And you are right about not turning the thermostat off.
MaryAnn says
We have used Ooma before.
Kat Emerick says
Thanks for the tips. I worry all the time when we go away!
Shawn A says
We have not had anything serious happen and hopefully will not in the future. Thank you for the helpful tips.
Kayla Klontz says
Thanks so much for the tips, I always forget something. My father recently lost his house from neglecting to turn something off
Wendy R. says
We’ve been lucky so far (knock on wood!) And we usually have a neighbor watch our home. Growing up, the washer hose burst once when my family was gone and we returned to a laundry room full of water.
Jenna Hudson (@HudsonJenna) says
I have very friendly and generous neighbors whom I trust to watch over my home. I don’t worry when I’m away. I’m very blessed for that.
christina moore says
Thank you for sharing the tips, I try to keep everything safe
Laura says
I’m always looking for ways to live safer! Thank you for sharing!
Barrie says
I’ve heard of OOMA but am surprised to learn it’s more than a phone service! I’m checking it out to learn all that the company has to offer!
Deborah Kats (@kats_deborah) says
Thank you for the tips on keeping your Home safe!
Michelle Coles says
I always have that feeling that I forgot to do something when I leave the house! Great Tips, Thanks!
Lesley F says
These are some great tips
Victoria Scott says
These are great tips and good reminders!
Julie Lundstrom says
These are some good tips.
gracefulcoffee says
These are really great tips! Thanks for sharing.
vickie couturier says
yes ,,i left a iron on once and had to call a neighbor to go turn if off and unplug it
Darcy Koch says
All great tips. However, I would probably still check everything 2 or 3 times before I felt comfortable leaving.
melody hodge says
All are great tips but #2 is the one I triple check before leaving my house. I have such a fear of gas problems while away so I guess Im a little more worried over that.
thomas hill says
good points to make.
Mia says
Important tips to remember and good idea to monitor with apps.
DebH says
Always a great idea to have a friend or family check on your home when you’re away!
Nancy says
I will add on to tip #3 – tell someone you trust that you are traveling, but don’t blab it all over social media that you are gone.
Marcie W. says
These are all fantastic tips to keep in mind while traveling. We always ask our neighbor to keep an eye on things while we’re gone for added security.
Karen Beckett says
Wonderful tips! It’s a very good idea to have a very reliable close neighbor to help keep an eye on things.
Janet W. says
These are all great tips to keep in mind! We always tell our next door neighbor when we will be away so they can keep an eye on things for us.
texasinak says
I love these tips/. My fiancé never wants to tell any of the neighbors we are gone, but I always remind him if its someone we trust it will help.