72 Million Americans Are Hitting the Road This July 4th—Is Your Home Ready?
This Independence Day is shaping up to be one for the record books—and not just because America is celebrating its 250th birthday. According to AAA, a staggering 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the July 4th holiday week, spanning Saturday, June 27 through Sunday, July 5. That number surpasses last year's record of 71.8 million travelers and signals just how enthusiastic Americans are about summer getaways.
But while millions of families are busy planning road trips, booking flights, and packing bags, there's one important thing many homeowners overlook: what happens to your house while you're gone. From unexpected weather damage and pest invasions to the unsettling possibility of a break-in, leaving your home unattended for even a few days carries real risk. Knowing how to properly secure your property before you leave isn't just about peace of mind—it's also essential for making valid insurance claims if something does go wrong.
Here's a comprehensive guide to keeping your home safe, secure, and protected this July 4th holiday.
Create the Illusion That Someone Is Home
One of the most effective home security strategies is surprisingly simple: make it look like you never left. Burglars typically scout neighborhoods in advance, watching for signs that a home is vacant. A dark house, an overflowing mailbox, or an uncut lawn can all signal that no one's around—and that's exactly the kind of invitation you don't want to extend.
"It's important to have a solid plan in place before leaving town," says Jen Wilbert, assistant vice president of property portfolio at Travelers Insurance. "It's important to make it look like someone is home even if you are not."
Wilbert recommends using automatic timers for interior lights so they turn on and off at natural intervals throughout the day and evening. Smart plugs and Wi-Fi-enabled lighting systems make this even easier, allowing you to control lights remotely through your smartphone if your schedule changes. Consider setting timers for a living room lamp, a bedroom light, and even a TV to simulate normal household activity.
Pause Mail and Deliveries Before You Leave
A pile of mail, newspapers, or packages stacking up on your doorstep is one of the most obvious signs that no one is home. Before departing, take a few minutes to put your mail on hold through the USPS website—it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to set up online. If you're expecting any package deliveries, reschedule them for after your return or have them sent to a trusted neighbor or a local pickup location.
Better yet, ask a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to collect anything that does arrive. A helpful neighbor can be one of your most powerful home security assets during a vacation. While they're at it, ask them to occasionally park their car in your driveway or vary the appearance of your home so it doesn't look static and abandoned.
Invest in a Smart Home Security System
If you don't already have a home security system, a July 4th trip is a perfect reason to invest in one. Modern systems are more affordable and user-friendly than ever, offering features like motion-activated cameras, doorbell cameras, smart locks, and real-time smartphone alerts.
Video doorbells, in particular, have become a popular deterrent. The visible presence of a camera alone is enough to discourage many would-be burglars. Systems that offer 24/7 professional monitoring add an extra layer of protection, ensuring that any triggered alarm is responded to quickly—even when you're thousands of miles away.
If a full security system isn't in the budget right now, even a few strategically placed security cameras combined with motion-sensor outdoor lights can make a meaningful difference. Criminals prefer easy, undetected targets, and visible security measures send a clear message that your home is not one.
Secure Doors, Windows, and Entry Points
Before you leave, do a thorough walkthrough of every potential entry point in your home. Make sure all doors are locked—including garage doors and any side or back doors that are easy to forget. Sliding glass doors can be particularly vulnerable; consider placing a cut piece of wooden dowel or a purpose-built security bar in the track to prevent them from being forced open.
Check that all windows are locked as well, especially ground-floor windows. If you have older window locks that feel flimsy, consider upgrading them or adding window security pins as an inexpensive reinforcement. Don't forget to lock the interior door between your garage and your home, as an attached garage can be a less obvious—but very accessible—point of entry for intruders.
Protect Against Non-Theft Hazards
Burglary gets most of the attention, but it's not the only risk your home faces while you're away. Water damage from a slow leak or a burst pipe can cause catastrophic and expensive destruction in a matter of hours. Before leaving, turn off the main water supply if you'll be gone for more than a day or two. At minimum, check under sinks and around appliances for any signs of dripping or moisture before you go.
Unplugging non-essential appliances and electronics can reduce the risk of electrical fires and also lower your energy bill while you're away. Set your air conditioning to a higher but still reasonable temperature—around 78 to 80 degrees—to prevent mold and humidity buildup without running up unnecessary energy costs.
Pests are another underrated concern, especially during warm summer months. Make sure all food is properly sealed or stored before leaving, take out the trash, and do a quick check around the perimeter of your home for any gaps or cracks where insects or rodents might enter.
Document Your Belongings Before You Go
In the event that something does happen while you're away, having a clear record of your home's contents will make filing an insurance claim significantly easier. Take a quick video walkthrough of your home, capturing valuables like electronics, jewelry, appliances, and furniture. Store this video securely in the cloud so it's accessible even if your home is burglarized.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy before leaving to understand what's covered and what your deductible looks like. If you have high-value items that might not be fully covered under a standard policy, speak with your insurance provider about a rider or additional coverage.
Set Up a Trusted Point of Contact
Whether it's a neighbor, a family member, or a professional house sitter, having someone you trust check on your home regularly is invaluable. Give them a spare key and your contact information so they can reach you immediately if something seems off. Make sure they know the basics—where the water shutoff valve is, what your security system code is, and who to call in an emergency.
Some homeowners even choose to hire a professional home watch service for extended absences. These services conduct regular inspections of your property and provide written reports, offering both accountability and documentation if any issues arise.
Enjoy the Holiday, Knowing Your Home Is Protected
With 72 million Americans expected to travel this July 4th week, home security has never been a more timely concern. The good news is that with a little preparation before you leave, you can enjoy your holiday celebrations with genuine peace of mind. Lock up tight, set those timers, phone a neighbor, and make sure your insurance is up to date. Your home will be ready and waiting when you return—hopefully just as you left it.