My family and I are getting ready for a week-long excursion over spring break.

We’re making all of the typical preparations: finding a place for the dog, figuring out what to pack, deciding when to leave for the airport—but what we haven’t thought much about protection for our house during our long absence.

Based on past experience, bad things can and do happen when you’re gone (our rec room flooded last year), so for those of you planning a getaway, these five gadgets are worth a look.

They may not prevent a water leak or a power outage, but at least you’ll be able to react immediately to the problem, even when you’re miles away from home.

Click here to view our 5 Ways to Guard Your Home over Spring Break.

Lisa Montgomery - Contributing Writer

Lisa Montgomery has been writing about home technology for 15 years, with a focus on the impact of electronics on a modern lifestyle.