With the onset of summer vacations, many Dubai residents look to move to cooler locales to spend the summer, or connect with family and friends over the extended break. While taking respite from the rapidly heating city is a welcome change, vacationers often end up worrying about the house they are leaving behind. However, a little planning and a simple checklist can ensure you enjoy a worry-free vacation while your home remains safe and secure.
Keep your cool
“Leave your AC unit on when on vacation,” advises Vijay Kavasseri, general manager of Mplus. Contrary to popular belief, it is advisable to keep the air conditioning running, albeit on a low thermostat setting, to ensure the house remains cool and mold free. The science behind it is that our air conditioner continually removes moisture from the air in our house. With the AC unit switched off, windows, floor and other interior surfaces can develop a layer of condensation. The trapped moisture can cause mildew growth and constant high temperatures can even cause warping in wooden doors and furniture.
Kavasseri further suggests setting the thermostat to 25 degrees, which helps avoid condensation and moulds. “Additionally, to allow circulation, leave all frequently used units on and open all doors,” he says. Kavasseri also suggests closing the curtains or blinds to ensure the house remains cool.
Energy savings
While most of us remember switching off big-ticket items like lights, forgetting to flick the switch on appliances can result in a significant energy drain and added costs. “Electronic devices still draw energy when they are plugged in but not in use, so get into the habit of unplugging anything that’s not needed,” suggests James Day, director of Hitches & Glitches. This is especially true for electrical devices that are habitually kept on standby, such as the TV.
Kavasseri also advises turning the water-heater off. “Check all taps and water features are turned off,” he adds, with a view to avoiding unnecessary water wastage due to leaks or spills.
Secure the home
Securing your home before you leave for vacation follows one simple rule: check once, check again and check yet again. Ensuring all doors and windows are locked and secure is imperative for the security of your home. However, an oft-overlooked factor is the maintenance of doors and windows, which prevents any damage, especially to the locking mechanism.
Also, check any equipment that could potentially be used by a burglar. “Secure all car, home and garden tools that could possibly be used by a thief to break into your home,” says Day.
It is also important to take a hands-on approach when securing your own. “There are several low-cost, low-tech things that can be done to keep your home safe while you are away,” says Martin Barnett, managing director of Clear Future Security Limited. “Your greatest weapon against a potential burglar is time. The more barriers you can put in place, such as securely locked windows and doors, this makes your property less attractive and reduces opportunity to the burglar.”
Most experts also recommend leaving your contact details, and even spare keys, with a trusted neighbour or friend, for them to periodically check on your property or contact you in case of an emergency. Placing valuables in a safe is also a good idea. Also, keep your travel plans low-key and avoid telling strangers about your plans to on holiday.
Additionally, social media messages or voicemails at home or at work can add to the risk of attracting opportunistic burglars.
Tech tools
The first step in this direction is getting an alarm system installed. “Have an alarm fitted and register your home with the Dubai Police,” says Day. Glass break detectors with alarms are a good option and relatively low cost. “So if someone does break a window or glass door panel to gain entrance to a property, a loud audible alarm will sound and help to deter them further,” says Barnett. Advanced alarm systems also use the mobile network and not landlines, and, therefore, can’t be tampered with by burglars. “But don’t forget to activate your alarm system,” reminds Kavasseria on a common mistake among holiday-goers.
The next step is installing a camera to monitor your home. “Modern cameras can be bought for a fraction of the cost of previously expensive home CCTV systems,” says Barnett.
Automatic timers to turn lights and TVs on and off at set times are also highly recommended to create the impression that the house is inhabited.
Remote access
Remote access and monitoring has come a long way since its advent. The smart revolution has added another dimension to home care, especially safety and security when one is away. “Smart home technology can save the day if you’re out and a change in humidity or temperature is detected,” says Day. “The remote monitoring sensor alerts you and the maintenance agency to changes and imminent flooding in your home. So if the AC stops working while you are abroad or your home is flooded due to burst pipes, further damage can be prevented.”
It is worth taking a little time to consider your home security when you are away. “Returning to a home that is just the way you left it makes the best summer vacation,” says Barnett.
