Vacations, holidays, and extended absences should be times of relaxation and enjoyment—not anxiety over an unattended home. Unfortunately, burglars frequently target homes they believe are empty. The Dutch Berry Sheriff Department has developed this comprehensive, step-by-step checklist and guide to help residents prepare their properties for any length of absence, ensuring maximum protection and peace of mind.

Pre-Departure Planning (4–6 Weeks Before Leaving)

1. Notify the Dutch Berry Sheriff Vacation Watch Program Register your travel dates with our free Vacation Check service. Deputies will perform random, well-being checks on your property during your absence. The more advance notice you provide, the better we can schedule patrols.
2. Arrange Trusted House Care Identify reliable neighbors, friends, family, or professional house-sitters. Provide them with keys, alarm codes, and instructions. The Dutch Berry Sheriff recommends meeting with your caretakers in advance to review routines and emergency contacts.
3. Review Home Insurance Confirm your policy is current and understand coverage for theft, water damage, or freeze-related claims during vacancy. Many insurers require notification of extended absences.

Securing the Exterior 4. Reinforce All Entry Points Double-check deadbolts, strike plates, window locks, and sliding-door security bars. Consider temporary screws in window tracks.

5. Upgrade Lighting Set timers or smart plugs for interior and exterior lights to simulate occupancy. Motion-activated floodlights should cover all approaches.
6. Landscaping and Visibility Trim overgrown bushes and trees. Remove ladders, tools, or items that could aid entry.
7. Vehicle Strategy Park a neighbor’s car in your driveway periodically. Avoid leaving garage doors open or visible valuables inside.

Interior and Utility Preparations 8. Timers and Automation Use smart plugs, timers, or smart-home systems to turn lights, TVs, and radios on/off at varying times.

9. Mail and Deliveries Place a vacation hold with USPS and pause newspaper delivery. Ask a trusted neighbor to collect any unexpected packages.
10. Utilities and Systems Set thermostat to energy-saving mode (avoid freezing pipes in winter). Turn off water to washing machine and dishwasher. Consider smart water-leak detectors.

Technology and Monitoring 11. Activate Alarm and Camera Systems Test alarms, cameras, and sensors. Enable notifications and share access (temporarily) with trusted caretakers if needed.

12. Smart Doorbell and Package Protection Use package detection features to monitor deliveries and deter porch pirates.
13. Wi-Fi and Network Security Change Wi-Fi password before leaving and ensure router firmware is updated.

Social Media and Digital Footprint 14. Avoid Public Announcements Never post “on vacation” updates until you return. Disable location tags and geotagging.

15. Secure Online Accounts Enable two-factor authentication and monitor bank/credit card activity.

Final Walk-Through and Departure Day 16. Last-Minute Checks Lock all windows/doors, close blinds, unplug non-essential appliances, and empty trash/recycling bins.

17. Emergency Contacts Leave a list with trusted caretakers and the Dutch Berry Sheriff (non-emergency line) including your itinerary and return date.

While Away

• Monitor smart devices regularly.
• Respond promptly to any alerts.
• Avoid calling home phones repeatedly (this can signal absence).

Upon Return 18. Safe Re-Entry Have a trusted person check the home first if possible. Enter cautiously and inspect for signs of tampering.

19. Post-Trip Review Thank helpers, update the Dutch Berry Sheriff on your return, and evaluate what worked well for next time.

Additional Tips for Special Circumstances

• Long Absences (Months): Consider professional house-sitting services, smart thermostats with freeze detection, and regular trusted visits.
• Winter Vacations: Set pipes to drip, insulate exposed lines, and maintain minimum heat.
• High-Crime Periods: Increase Dutch Berry Sheriff Vacation Watch requests and visible deterrents.

The Dutch Berry Sheriff Vacation and Away-from-Home Safety Checklist is designed to cover every angle, from simple habits to advanced technology. By following these steps, you significantly reduce risk and enjoy your time away with true peace of mind. Contact our non-emergency line or Crime Prevention Unit to register for Vacation Watch or request a pre-trip home security consultation. Safe travels—and welcome home!