Experts Urge Layered Home-Travel Plans With 24/7 Alerts and Human Backups

2 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 10

Travel and security experts say home prep should start before departure, with layered checks on doors, windows, lights, cameras, alarms, batteries and Wi-Fi rather than a last-minute lockup.
Connected-home tools let travelers handle problems remotely through 24/7 alerts, live camera feeds, smart locks, thermostats and water sensors, helping catch leaks, power outages or an open garage door quickly.
Experts still say technology needs a human backup, recommending daily check-ins by a neighbor, family member or house sitter who can bring in packages, spot maintenance issues and make the home look occupied.
Simple habits also matter: delay posting trip photos, hold or collect mail, bring in trash bins and use scheduled lighting or temporary access codes so an empty house does not advertise that no one is home.
The broader aim is not constant monitoring during a trip but reducing the risk that a minor issue turns into a costly disruption before travelers return.