I never leave for vacation without doing these 7 home security checks first

### Executive summary This ZDNET article provides practical, consumer-focused advice for protecting a home while away—covering randomized smart-plug/light schedules, camera/doorbell battery checks, smart-lock one-time codes, leak sensors and shut-off valves, router password and guest-Wi-Fi configuration, thermostat settings, item trackers, and unplugging non-essential devices; it is a general safety and convenience guide rather than a cybersecurity incident or threat intelligence report.