Summer is here, school is out, and many Fort Bend County MUD No. 165 residents are heading off for well-deserved vacations, but before you go, take a moment to protect your home. The Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 4’s Office offers a free Vacation Watch service for District residents that adds an extra layer of security while you’re away.
What is a Vacation Watch?
Officers from the Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 4’s Office will increase patrols around your property and check on it periodically while you’re gone, helping deter crime and quickly spotting anything unusual. All at no charge to District residents.
How to request a Vacation Watch
Requesting the service is quick and easy. Complete the Vacation Watch form here and include key information about your trip and your home, such as:
Whether any lights will be left on, and whether timers are used.
If pets will remain at the house and who will care for them.
Whether you have an alarm system and if it will be armed (and list the alarm company contact).
Any individuals authorized to enter the home while you’re away.
If any vehicles will remain parked at the residence.
A secondary contact who can be reached if you are unavailable.
If your travel plans change, such as new visitors, different departure/return dates, or other updates, notify the Constable’s Office so their watch information stays accurate.
Home security checklist before you leave
Inform your alarm company of your trip and list Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 4 as your primary law enforcement contact to speed response if an alarm triggers.
Use programmable light timers rather than leaving lights on continuously; timed lighting looks more natural and less suspicious.
Leave a vehicle in the driveway if possible (remove valuables) to suggest the house is occupied.
Arrange reliable care for pets via a sitter, boarding facility, or a trusted friend; confirm ID tags, microchip info, and updated vet records, and give your pet’s caretaker emergency contact numbers.
Consider hiring a house sitter for plants, mail, and to give the home a lived in appearance.
Designate a local emergency contact who can access your property if needed.
Put mail and package deliveries on hold with the U.S. Postal Service and pause scheduled deliveries to avoid overflow and visible signs that no one is home.
New additions and seasonal reminders
Pool and irrigation: If you have a pool, set automatic pumps and check timers so pool equipment runs as needed; for irrigation systems, follow Fort Bend County watering rules (check local restrictions) and set controllers to comply with current stage limits to avoid fines and conserve water.
Storm readiness: Summer is severe weather season. Share your travel dates and an emergency contact who can check the property after storms, and secure loose outdoor items that high winds can turn into hazards.
Utilities and outages: Provide the Constable’s Office with contact info for your utility providers if you want them notified about outages or gas/water issues while you’re gone.
Smart devices: If you use smart locks or cameras, enable notifications to a trusted local contact rather than relying solely on remote alerts; consider temporarily disabling automatic parcel deliveries or route them to a secure pickup location.
Neighbor watch: Tell a trusted neighbor your plans and the Constable’s Office will coordinate better with on the ground observers; ask them to collect flyers, mow the lawn if needed, or park a car periodically.
Pet heat safety tip: If pets remain at home, ensure climate control schedules prevent extreme temperatures and leave clear instructions and emergency numbers for the caregiver.
Share these tips
Need help or want to sign up?
Complete the Vacation Watch form to register with Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 4 before you leave, and remember to update the office if anything about your trip changes. Safe travels!
If you found these recommendations useful, please share this post with neighbors and friends on Facebook, X, or Nextdoor so more people in the District can protect their homes before traveling.