Protect your home before you pack the necessary vacation supplies.

Whether you’re heading to a sunny destination or seeking the shade in museums and activity centers, many families, individuals, and couples are heading out on their summer vacations. But before you begin packing, you’ll want to brush up on these tips on how to protect your home while away.

Leave your plans off social media. We all get excited before traveling. But it’s important that you don’t leak your plans all over social media. Many people can see your statuses, and if someone catches the scent that you’re leaving for two weeks, it could spell trouble for your home.

Hide valuables. Do you have your collector’s edition items on display? If so, you may want to consider putting them away in the cupboard. Ensure that no high-value belongings can be seen from the street through windows and doors.

Ask a friend to check. Ask a trusted friend, family member or neighbor to swing by the house a couple of times a week to collect the mail, water the plants, and ensure everything is okay with the house.

Make it looked occupied. You want to ensure that your home looks like people are there. To achieve this, set lights on a timer to turn on in the evenings, and cancel your newspaper deliveries for the time while you’re away.

Review your insurance. Before you head out the door, look over your insurance policy to be sure that your valuables are covered and the limits are suitable for needs. If you’re not sure what to look for, talk to your insurer about obtaining the right coverage for your needs.

For help finding the right home insurance in Connecticut, and the surrounding cities, contact the independent insurance professionals at North American Underwriters. Serving New Britain, Bristol, Farmington, Plainville, and all of Connecticut; we will work with you to ensure you have the right amount of protection for your specific situation, all at the right price.