How to Protect Your Home While Away
With the holiday season upon us, many of you may be planning that long-awaited vacation (or an extended trip) to visit with family. Before you toss your luggage into the car, make sure that once you leave, you won't return to an empty house. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you take that extra step to protect your home while you're away: Don't give the impression that no one is at home!- Use automatic timers to turn lights on and off at normal times
- Suspend mail/ newspaper deliveries, or arrange to have someone pick them up for you so they don't pile up outside (a tell-tale that you're away for sure!)
- Leave curtains and/ or blinds open in their usual position
- If you are going to be gone for a long period of time, you may want to arrange for your lawn to be mowed, or leaves to be raked up
- Turn the ringer volume on your phone down so it can't be heard outside
- Set the timer on your television to come on in the evening for a couple of hours
- Secure door with dead-bolts or double cylinder locks, instead of just doorknobs
- Place a wooden dowel or metal rod in the tracks of sliding doors and windows
- Check all locks on windows, and if necessary install key locks
- Keep all valuables (such as: paintings, antiques, etc.) away from windows and out of view
- Do not leave extra keys around - if you usually keep a spare house key outside under your ceramic frog or doormat, take them with you!
- Put cash, jewelry and other valuables in a safe deposit box
- It doesn't hurt to notify the local police, a neighbor or a friend, that you will be gone and ask them to keep an eye on your home--make sure to leave them with contact information (just in case)!
- Call your insurance agent and make sure you have adequate coverage if your home is burglarized
- Take a copy of your personal property inventory with you so you will have a record of what was stolen or damaged
- After the holidays, be sure to update your personal property inventory to include your newly acquired gifts
