4 Tips to Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel

FTC Compliant Review Policy:  The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Do you go out of town for the holidays, or do you stay home? If you travel, I bet you are like me and are a bit concerned with the safety of your house while you are gone.  I know I worry and I can not be the only one!!!  Lucky for us all, I was contacted by Ooma—a leading internet home communications hub—with the opportunity to deliver 4 tips for keeping your home safe and secure when you're on the road this holiday. Before you lock your doors and hop in the car, make sure you follow these steps to ensure your home is safe.
 
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 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 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. 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 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 while you were away? Tell me about it in the comments below! 

Comments

  1. Colette SDecember 21, 2016 at 9:37 PM

    These are very good tips!

    ReplyDelete
  2. mail4roseyDecember 23, 2016 at 11:21 AM

    All good, but if you have a fish keep it somewhat warm. Learned that lesson the hard way. RIP Beta.

    ReplyDelete
  3. An Apel a DayJanuary 3, 2017 at 3:05 PM

    These are great tips. Travis tells 2 neighbors. My family (sisters and parents) always know we're out of town as well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. An Apel a DayJanuary 5, 2017 at 3:28 PM

    I've only fell at home before. I didn't go to the hospital that day, but soon after that. Travis almost burnt the house down. I wasn't at home during that time. Thankfully he had a fire extinguisher to put it out. He was trying to burn a wax mold out in our oven. Nope!

    ReplyDelete

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