Our family has not really traveled during the holiday season – yet. It is, however, something we plan on venturing into in the upcoming year. Holiday travel, from what we’ve heard can be a little hectic, but would be a great way to close out the year. Nothing beats hitting the road or open sky with the family, having fun while creating memories in a new environment.
But if you’re anything like me, whenever you travel, whether it’s holiday travel or a weekend getaway, a little voice in the back of your mind may ask, “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 we love to travel, there are times when we are never really able to completely relax.
So I breathed a sigh of relief when I was contacted by Ooma—a leading internet home communications hub—with the opportunity to share with you 4 tips for keeping your home safe and secure during holiday travel. Before you lock your doors and hop in the car (or on the plane), make sure you follow these steps to ensure your home is safe.
TIP #1: DON’T TURN OFF YOUR THERMOSTAT
Before leaving for an extended trip during the colder months, it’s important to lock in a safe temperature in your central heating system. 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 on “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 HOLIDAY TRAVEL A SECRET
When leaving home for several days, tell someone you trust where you’ll be in case of emergency, such as a fire, burglary, or carbon monoxide leak. In our case, we can thank God for great neighbors and family in the neighborhood who keep watch while we are away. They keep an eye out for suspicious activity and notify us 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 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 of any danger.
You can learn more about Ooma’s home monitoring system and buy an Ooma Telo at http://www.ooma.com.
Has an emergency ever happened at your home during holiday travel? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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