In all the excitement of getting ready for your long-awaited summer holiday, it’s easy to skip out the door with your suitcases and forget about safety in the home. A few simple checks can make sure you have a home to come back to…

The lights are on but no one's home

Don't leave your lights on at home throughout your entire holiday to make it look like someone’s home. You’ll rack up a big electric bill and, of course, leaving the lights on is not exactly "green" behaviour, not to mention house lights blazing throughout the night might look a bit odd. Get a timer Purchase a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically according to a programmed schedule. If criminals are watching your house, they will notice lights flipping on and off, and will hopefully assume someone is home. You can find some here

Get unplugging

Unplug your television, computer, toaster oven and other appliances to protect them from power surges. Do this to save energy as well. Many appliances use power even when they're turned off.

Smoke alarms

Fit smoke alarms on each level of your home, they are loud enough to hopefully alert neighbours if they go off. Test the batteries in your smoke alarm before you go.

Tell your neighbours

If you have a good relationship with your neighbours, ask them to keep an eye on things while you’re away. If you are really close, give them a key and ask if they’d mind switching your lights on in the evening and drawing your curtains. They can also pick up your post or papers.

What else should you remember?

Just a few useful things to remember before you head off into the sunset.

• Clear the fridge out – it might stink by the time you get back

• Lock up all your valuables

• Arrange for your bins to be put out

• Don’t advertise on Facebook or your answer phone message that you’re going away

• Pay outstanding bills before you go

• Check all your windows and doors are locked

• Keep your keys out of reach

• Make sure any deliveries have been cancelled

It just remains for us to wish you a happy holiday, wherever you may be going and if you would like to speak to a professional about any electrical issues in your home then give us a call on 01858 414304, email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or tweet us at @mmsparkies