Checklist
Is the immersion off? Are you sure? Holidays are great, but before you can put your feet up poolside, it’s important to make sure all is in order before leaving the house. Did I mention the immersion?
Whether you’re heading off for a week or a weekend, there’s a lot to consider when leaving your home. To help put your mind at ease as you head out the door, we have put together a checklist of some of the most important things to remember.
• Lock all doors and windows. Some sources might specify ‘external’ doors and windows, but if you have the means, why not lock your internal doors too? Imagine a robber’s heartbreak after gaining access to your hallway and realising that every door inside the house is locked!
• Have a chat with your neighbours. Here in Cork, we love a good nosey at the neighbours’ house, so let’s put it to good use and ask them to keep an eye on the place. Sure they’re doing it anyway.
• Motion sensor floodlights. These are excellent deterrents for home invaders, and if you have the right gear and it’s been installed correctly, it won’t be set off by a curious cat or dog.
• Don’t hide a spare set of keys. Keys hidden under a flower pot or a fake rock are the first things a burglar will look for. Your best bet is to give that spare set of keys to a trusted neighbour or friend who can check up on your house if needed.
• Stop newspaper and milk deliveries. Nothing says ‘we’re not home’ like a pile of old newspapers and gone off milk on your doorstep.
• Don’t let your lawn 'grass' on you. If you’re heading off for a long time, consider asking/hiring someone you trust to cut your grass while you’re gone. An unkept lawn might attract some unwanted attention.
• The immersion! As comedian Des Bishop said, “man, you gotta turn it off as well?”. Yes, you certainly do. Otherwise you could return home to find an astronomical bill waiting for you. Flip that switch and check it at least thrice.
• Taps. You don’t want to come home to a soggy carpet, and although it might be tempting to forego this obvious step, please don’t. Also, it has been widely broadcasted recently that leaving a tap running to prevent your water pipes from bursting in cold weather is not only a criminal waste of water, but a myth.
• The alarming truth. House alarms are becoming more and more common, and for good reason - just make sure to alarm your upper stories too. Apparently some people don’t do that.
• Pets. There are many options when it comes to pets and holidays. Leaving them with family is probably the most attractive option, or even having friends or family ‘pet sit’ In your home. It’s important to arrange this well in advance of your trip.
• Plug things out. Make sure to unplug pretty much anything that isn’t a fridge. It will save you money and reduce any possibility of electrical fires.
• Check the immersion again!
• Enjoy your holiday!