Whether it’s in summer or winter, most families endeavor to take a vacation at least once each year. Do you worry that about your home when you are gone? When you leave your home unprotected, you also leave your valuables and memories at home alone as well. There are ten simple things that you can do to protect your home when you are away.
1. Don’t tell anyone that you are leaving except immediate family and very close friends. Try not to mention your departure around the office or at the ballpark or at the gym. A passerby or someone listening in might be someone who would take advantage of you while you are gone.
2. Stop newspaper services. Call your newspaper office one month in advance and ask that your subscription be stopped while you are gone. Newspapers piled in your driveway or steps might alert a would-be thief that no one is in residence. If you call far enough in advance, you might even be able to obtain a discount on your normal rate.
3. Ask the postal carrier to hold the mail until you return. Just like with newspapers, mail protruding from the mailbox could alert a thief that you are out of town. If you forget the ask the postal carrier in advance, ask a neighbor to pick up the mail and to save it until your return.
4. Ask a neighbor to watch out for any visitors who might be in your yard. Be sure to leave a contact phone number so that the neighbor can reach you or someone that you trust in the event of a problem.
5. Lock the doors using dead bolts and regular locks. Many people say that locks can only keep out honest people but you want to make it as hard as possible for someone to enter your home without your permission.
6. Lock all the windows. If a thief can’t get into your home through the door, he will probably try the window. Secure your windows both upstairs and downstairs.
7. Install a timer so that a lamp or television will come on when it becomes dark outside. Timers are fairly inexpensive to purchase and will provide added security for your home. To operate, you simply plug them into the wall outlet and then plug the lamp into the timer. Set the timer so that the lamp comes on around dark and turns off at an appropriate time.
8. Move valuables to a safety deposit box before you leave. When in doubt, take precautions. Move expensive jewelry and other small items to your safety deposit box. If it can’t be replaced because of sentimental value, don’t take any chances.
9. Have someone come by to cut the grass. If you are going to be gone for more than a week, you may need someone to come by and maintain your yard. Tall grass is a sure sign that no one has been home for a while. Find a neighborhood child who would be willing to earn some extra cash or call in a favor of someone else you know.
10. Lock all storage sheds, garages, and barns. If someone can’t enter your home, they might still be interested in the goods that abide in your garage. Lock them up and take the key with you rather than hiding it nearby.
