Snowbird Checklist: Securing Your Home Before You Go

Every year, approximately 1 to 1.5 million people travel to Florida alone to enjoy the warmer climate during winter.¹ If you plan on traveling south for winter, it's essential that you safeguard your home while it’s unoccupied, since vacant homes are often targets for break-ins and burglaries. Take control of your home's security and enjoy your time away with these important home security tips.

Secure Entry Points

Securing entry points is your first line of defense when you’re away. Smart door locks, like Yale, let you control access remotely and keep track of who comes and goes, even from miles away. It’s a simple way to make sure only trusted people can enter, giving you control no matter where you are. Master Lock lock boxes are another simple and effective way to provide friends and neighbors with convenient access to your house keys, while securing them from would-be intruders.

Safeguard Your Yard

For outdoor areas like gates, garages and storage sheds, Master Lock padlocks are a must to prevent unwanted access. Our trusted and rugged weather-resistant padlocks can withstand extreme conditions, from harsh weather to picking, prying and bolt cutter attacks, so your property is secure through the worst of winter while you’re away.

Set Up Surveillance

Surveillance systems are a smart way to watch over your home while you're away. Many of today’s smart locks can connect with security systems or cameras, providing you with a full view of access and activity around your home. With remote video monitoring, you can check in on your home anytime and receive instant alerts if someone tries to get in.

Control Your Home’s Temperature

Smart thermostats give you the power to manage your home’s temperature from anywhere, helping to prevent frozen pipes and potential water damage. By managing your home’s temperature remotely, you can ensure your home stays warm enough to avoid any issues. A simple tip: set your thermostat to an energy-efficient mode that protects against extreme cold while keeping energy use in check.

Avoid Water Damage

Securing your home isn’t just about keeping intruders out — it's also about using smart home technology to protect your property from the unexpected. With a smart water shut off valve like the Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff, you can monitor for leaks 24/7 and even shut off the water automatically or remotely from your phone to help prevent catastrophic water damage. Whether it’s a slow drip or a burst pipe, the device’s FloSense™ Technology helps you stay ahead of potential disasters while you’re at home or away.

SentrySafe SFW123GDC fire and waterproof safe placed on a closet floor

Protect Your Valuables

If you're leaving important documents, jewelry or other valuables behind, a water and fireproof safe is an essential addition to your home’s security. Opportunistic thieves focus on stealing high-value items that are easily portable, like cash, electronics and jewelry. SentrySafe safes provide physical security while also protecting against environmental risks like floods or fires, so your items stay safe no matter what happens.

Snowbird Home Security Checklist:

1. Locks and Safes

Check all locks on doors, windows and gates
Install smart locks for remote monitoring and control
Use high-quality padlocks for outdoor storage or garages
Secure valuables in a fire and waterproof safe

2. Security Systems

Set up cameras and motion detectors
Test your alarm system before leaving

3. Smart Water Device

Install leak detectors and automatic water shut-off systems

4. Automate Utilities and Pause Mail

Set your thermostat to a safe temperature
Use timers for lights to simulate occupancy
Forward your mail or stop delivery

5. Notify Trusted Neighbors or a House Sitter

Provide temporary access codes for smart locks
Use lock boxes for spare keys
Share contact info for emergencies

By following this snowbird checklist, you can travel South with confidence, knowing your home is well-protected while you’re away. Shop Master Lock’s range of locks, safes and security solutions today to ensure your home is ready for snowbird season.