Home Security Beat

Protect Your Home While Vacationing

You deserve a vacation, but you have to plan your trip and figure out how you’re going to make it look like someone is living in your house. When you’re away, your property is more susceptible to a break in, especially if you don’t take any effort to secure your home. However, there are a few steps you can take to fend off burglars, because you don’t want to return home to nothing.

• Set up times on several of your lamps, so that they turn on when it starts to get dark outside. This will give the illusion that someone is home, and you can also set a radio or TV to a timer too for added effect. Another option is to install light sensors outside, so they turn on and off in the evening.
• Remember to contact the post office, because you need to temporarily hold your newspaper and mail delivery. The last thing you want is your mail piling up at your door and in your mailbox, because burglars will take note of this. You might have to fill out a form or make a few phone calls, but it’s worth the hassle.
• Ask a close friend or neighbor to keep watch on your home while you’re away. They can be in charge of picking up any fliers or packages that might be delivered. If you’re leaving in the winter, see if they can shovel your walkways. Another option is to have your neighbor park his/her car in your driveway.
• Contact your yard service and have them mow your grass. An overgrown lawn can tip off a burglar.
• Never record a message on your answering machine stating that you’re away.
• Leave your shades, curtains and blinds where you usually have them. When they’re down in the day, it will indicate an empty house.

Before you leave your home for a relaxing vacation, there is a lot of work to be done. It’s beneficial to make a list, so you don’t forget anything important. Right before you head out, double check that all windows and doors are locked. Also, turn off your air or heat as well as all other small appliances. There’s no need to have items plugged in or running when you’re not home. Plus, you don’t want to have an electrical fire either. Once all of your home security features are in place, you can go off and enjoy your much-needed vacation.

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Tags: burglar proof, home security, vacation