Six tips to secure your home while away for the holidays

24 Dec 2025, 10:35 by Muhibat Sulaimon · TheCable Lifestyle

A recent viral video showing a home engulfed in flames while its occupants were away for the festive season has reignited conversations about home safety during the holidays.

As many families travel to spend Christmas and the New Year with loved ones, homes are often left unattended and vulnerable. From fires and flooding to break-ins, the risks increase when basic precautions are overlooked.

Here are simple but crucial steps to help keep your home safe, secure, and damage-free while you’re away this festive season.

Turn off the main electricity breaker

Turning off appliances before travelling is common, but for greater protection, it’s safer to switch off the main electricity breaker at the distribution board.

Simply unplugging devices may not be enough, as power surges, faulty wiring, or electrical faults can still cause sparks that may lead to a fire. Shutting off the main power source significantly reduces the risk of an electrical fire while the house is empty.

For added safety, unplug sensitive devices such as televisions, phone chargers, and kitchen appliances even after switching off the breaker. This helps prevent damage when power is restored.

Turn off the main water source

This step is often overlooked, but just as important. A burst pipe or a minor leak can flood a house within hours if no one is there to notice it.

Before travelling, locate and shut off the main water valve that supplies your home. A small leak left unattended for days can cause serious water damage to walls, floors, furniture, and electrical systems.

Turning off the main water supply helps prevent avoidable flooding and costly repairs while you’re away.

Turn off the cooking gas supply

Gas leaks are a serious hazard and should never be taken lightly. Before leaving, ensure the gas cylinder valve or central gas supply is completely turned off.

Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and can lead to fires or explosions, even in an empty house. Also, double-check that all stove burners are properly closed before you travel.

This simple step can prevent potentially life-threatening accidents and protect your home in your absence.

Avoid announcing travel plans publicly

If you’re active on social media, it’s safer to delay posting travel updates or holiday photos until you return.

Beyond social media, casually sharing travel plans with acquaintances can also pose a risk.

Announcing publicly that your house will be empty may attract unwanted attention and increase the chance of a break-in. Keeping travel plans private helps protect your home while you’re away.

Install or activate security measures

Your security systems should work hardest when you’re not around. If you have one, make sure it’s fully activated before leaving.

Motion-sensor lights, door alarms, CCTV cameras, or even simple outdoor lighting can deter intruders by making your home appear occupied. If you don’t have a security system, ask a trusted neighbour or relative to check on the house occasionally to avoid signs that no one is home.

Store valuables safely

Keep important documents, cash, and valuables in a secure, discreet location.

If possible, use a safe or lockbox stored out of plain sight. This extra step helps protect your most important belongings in case of theft or other unexpected incidents while you are away.

Copyright 2025 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.

Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle