The Songkran festival and long holidays are here! Many are packing their bags to return to their hometowns or flying off for a well-deserved vacation. But amidst the excitement of traveling, one crucial thing many families neglect is "securing the house."
Did you know that when you leave your house empty for several days, it faces the highest risks? From natural disasters to extreme heat and burglars waiting for the perfect opportunity. To ensure your fun trip doesn't end in tears when you return, take just 15 minutes before starting your car to go through these 5 hidden risks during the long holidays.
🦹♂️ 1. The Silent Night Threat: Burglars and Break-ins
A dark, quiet house with no movement for days is a prime target for thieves. During festivals, when neighborhoods are much quieter than usual, the risk multiplies.
How to prevent: Check all door and window locks to ensure they are fully secured. If you have a CCTV system, verify that it is online and viewable via your smartphone. We highly recommend using smart plugs to schedule your lights to turn on and off automatically, creating the illusion that someone is home. Most importantly, consider joining the police's "Leave Your Home with the Police" program or asking a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out for you.
⛈️ 2. Natural Hazards: Roof Leaks from Summer Storms
April isn't just scorching hot; it's the peak season for sudden "summer storms" that bring strong gusts of wind and heavy rain. This can lead to blown-off roof tiles, water seeping through window frames, or clogged gutters causing water to back up into the ceiling.
How to prevent: Before the long weekend, safely check your rain gutters. Clear out any dry leaves or debris to prevent blockages. Close and securely lock all windows. If you have large trees near your roofline, trim the branches to prevent them from snapping and damaging your house during a storm.
🔥 3. Heat Hazards: Short Circuits and Electrical Fires
The extreme heat combined with plugged-in appliances (like TVs, standing fans, or sub-standard power strips) can cause dangerous heat buildup, leading to electrical leaks or short circuits.
How to prevent: Unplug all non-essential appliances (you can leave the refrigerator and security systems running). Switch off the breakers for zones or rooms that won't be used at all. And a crucial step that many forget: "Turn off the gas cylinder valve" in the kitchen completely before leaving the house.
💧 4. Water Disasters: Burnt-out Pumps and Indoor Flooding
Water usage spikes during the Songkran festival, often causing low water pressure in many areas. If you leave without turning off the water pump, it might run dry, eventually burning out the motor. Worse yet, if a pipe bursts or leaks inside the house while you're away, water could flood your home and ruin your furniture without you knowing.
How to prevent: Unplug or turn off the switch for your water pump. Then, walk outside and "turn off the main water valve" at the meter. This simple step guarantees 100% protection against indoor plumbing leaks during your entire trip.
🌡️ 5. Accumulating Threat: The Home "Heat Trap"
Locking up a house tightly for days completely stops air circulation. The walls and ceiling absorb the intense April heat, and when you return, walking inside will feel like stepping into an oven. This accumulated heat can cause certain furniture materials (like solid wood, plastics, or leather) to crack or degrade prematurely.
How to prevent: Close your blackout or UV-blocking curtains tightly to keep direct sunlight out. If possible and safe, slightly open a small ventilation window (such as glass louvers in a bathroom that are highly secured with wrought iron bars and mosquito screens) to allow some of the trapped hot air to escape.
💡 Summary Spending just 10-15 minutes walking around to check your house before driving off provides priceless peace of mind throughout your trip. You won't have to constantly worry, and it is absolutely worth avoiding potential repair bills that could cost tens or hundreds of thousands of baht.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and worry-free journey back to your hometowns and during your Songkran travels! 🚙💨
(Feel free to share this article with your friend groups or family members as a helpful reminder before you all head out on your trip!)
