10 Holiday Home Safety Tips Atlanta Families Should Follow Before Traveling This Season

Fire Restoration
Holiday home safety tips Atlanta family packing car before traveling
Atlanta family prepares for holiday travel by following home safety tips before leaving town.

As the holidays approach, Atlanta families are getting ready to hit the road — whether it’s visiting relatives in nearby cities or escaping to warmer weather. But before you pack your bags, make sure your home is protected.

Each year, thousands of fires, floods, and break-ins happen while homeowners are away during the holidays. From Canton to Woodstock, Alpharetta to Johns Creek, Roswell, Buford, and SuwaneePuroClean North Metro Atlantahas seen the aftermath of preventable home damage.

Follow these holiday home safety tips Atlanta families can trust to keep your property safe, dry, and secure while you’re traveling.


🔑 1. Double-Check All Locks and Security Systems

Before leaving, inspect every door and window to ensure they’re locked — including the basement, garage, and side doors.
If you have a smart security system, update your app, check your camera feeds, and test motion sensors.

Consider notifying your local police department if you’ll be gone for more than a few days. Many departments in Alpharetta, Roswell, and Johns Creek offer free vacation home checks.

Home security holiday travel Atlanta with locked door and smart lighting
Locking doors and using smart lights helps protect Atlanta homes during holiday travel.

💡 2. Use Smart Lighting for a “Lived-In” Look

Burglars target dark, unoccupied homes. Program smart plugs or timers to turn lamps on and off at normal intervals.

Place lights in rooms visible from the street and avoid leaving blinds wide open.
In Woodstock and Canton, this trick alone can deter unwanted visitors.


🔥 3. Unplug Small Appliances and Prevent Fire Hazards

Appliances like coffee makers, toasters, and space heaters can spark electrical fires while you’re away.
Before traveling, unplug non-essential devices and power strips.

Inspect cords for fraying and ensure smoke detectors work in every room.
If you’re using holiday decorations, turn off Christmas lights before leaving — and never overload outlets.

Learn more on our Fire Damage Restoration page for prevention and cleanup tips.


💧 4. Turn Off the Water Supply to Prevent Leaks and Burst Pipes

A burst pipe can flood your home within minutes — and winter temperatures in North Metro Atlanta make this risk even higher.

Turn off your home’s main water valve or use a smart leak detector for added peace of mind.
If you can’t shut off water completely, leave faucets dripping slightly and keep your thermostat above 60°F to prevent freezing.

See our Water Damage Restoration services for more information.


🧯 5. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Your detectors should have fresh batteries and a working alarm.
If your home has gas heating, test carbon monoxide detectors before leaving — CO leaks often go unnoticed during the winter months.

This small step has saved lives in Roswell and Alpharetta, where CO-related emergencies spike during holiday travel season.


📦 6. Avoid Posting Travel Plans Online

It’s tempting to share your vacation excitement, but public posts can alert potential burglars that your home is empty.

Wait to share photos until after you return.
Make sure friends and neighbors know how to reach you in case of an emergency, and have someone collect your mail or packages.


🕯️ 7. Practice Candle and Decoration Safety

Candles, lights, and Christmas trees can quickly become fire hazards.
Use flameless LED candles and make sure real trees are watered regularly to prevent drying out.

Never leave candles burning unattended — and keep decorations away from vents, space heaters, and fireplaces.

Visit NFPA Holiday Safety for more national safety recommendations.


🧳 8. Secure Outdoor Areas and Vehicles

Bring in loose items like patio furniture, garden tools, and packages.
Park cars inside your garage if possible, and lock all doors.

If you’re in Buford or Suwanee, outdoor cameras can deter both burglars and porch pirates.
For added protection, use motion-activated floodlights near entryways and driveways.


🧊 9. Prepare for Freezing Weather

Cold snaps can hit even in Georgia winters.
Disconnect outdoor hoses, insulate exposed pipes, and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.

If your power goes out while you’re away, a smart thermostat can alert you before pipes freeze.
Check our Water Damage Restoration guide for what to do if freezing pipes cause leaks.


🏘️ 10. Partner With a Trusted Neighbor or Professional

Ask a trusted neighbor to check your home every few days.
They can water plants, adjust curtains, or even park in your driveway to make it look occupied.

If you prefer professional monitoring, some local companies in Alpharetta and Johns Creek offer short-term home watch services for travelers.


🌆 Trusted Help Across North Metro Atlanta

If you return to find unexpected fire, water, or smoke damage, PuroClean North Metro Atlanta is ready 24/7 to restore your property.

PuroClean North Metro Atlanta holiday restoration experts ready 24 7

From Canton to Woodstock, Alpharetta to Roswell, and Buford to Suwanee, we provide:

  • 🔥 Fire and smoke damage restoration
  • 💧 Water and mold damage cleanup
  • 🧯 Odor and soot removal
  • 🕒 24-hour emergency response

As The Paramedics of Property Damage, our certified team acts fast to bring your home back to normal after any holiday emergency.


❤️ Celebrate the Holidays With Peace of Mind

Your home deserves protection even while you’re away.
By following these holiday home safety tips Atlanta families can travel with confidence knowing their property is secure.

For emergencies, call PuroClean North Metro Atlanta anytime at (770) 720 2320 — we’re always here when you need us most.

For more official guidance on protecting your home while traveling, visit the Ready.gov Holiday Safety page for seasonal safety checklists and emergency preparedness tips.

PuroClean North Metro Atlanta holiday restoration experts ready 24 7
PuroClean North Metro Atlanta — The Paramedics of Property Damage — ready 24/7 for emergency fire, water, or smoke restoration.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the most important holiday home safety tips Atlanta homeowners should know?

Always lock all doors and windows, unplug small appliances, and use smart lights.
Turn off your water main if freezing temperatures are expected and test smoke detectors before traveling.

2. How can I prevent water damage while traveling for the holidays?

Shut off the main water valve, drain pipes, and keep your thermostat set to at least 60°F.
Use smart leak sensors to detect problems remotely.

3. How do I make my home look occupied while I’m away?

Use timed lighting, ask a neighbor to pick up mail, and leave a car in the driveway.
These simple tricks deter burglars.

4. What should I do if a fire or flood occurs while I’m away?

Call emergency services first. Once it’s safe, contact PuroClean North Metro Atlanta for professional fire, smoke, or water damage restoration.
We serve Canton, Woodstock, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Buford, and Suwanee 24/7.

5. Why choose PuroClean North Metro Atlanta?

We’re locally owned, nationally trusted, and known as The Paramedics of Property Damage — offering fast response, certified technicians, and compassionate care.