Getting ready for vacation can be stressful enough. One of the most important things that you shouldn’t take lightly is securing your home. Nothing can sour a vacation than coming home only to find a problem has occurred. You certainly don’t want to come home to find that someone made themselves “at home” while you were away. Here’s some steps that can help diminish the risk and give you some peace of mind while you’re away:
• Exterior Lighting – Put outdoor lighting on timers, photocell mechanisms or motion detectors. You definitely want to make sure your home has that occupied look to it. Any entry ways should also be well lit.
• Interior Lighting – Again if you can setup some timers to any interior lighting, TVs or radios. There again you want to make it seem like someone is home.
• Telephone Answering Maching – Set the machine to answer on 3 or 4 rings. Don’t leave a message that you’re out of town. If you don’t have an answering machine, disconnect the phone from the outlet.
• Keys and Locks – Don’t hide keys in mailboxes, under door mats or under flower pots. Those are the obvious places that people look. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
• Doors/Windows – All doors and windows should be locked, which is obvious. One door that is commonly left unlocked is the door that goes to the garage from the house.
• Security Systems – If your house is equipped, notify your service and advise them to call you on your cell phone if needed. Make sure your alarm system is armed when you walk out the door for the last time.
• Inform a Neighbor – Let your trusted neighbor know you’re going out of town. As stated earlier, you might give them a key. Also you might ask them to park a car in your driveway as this definitely gives that appearance of someone being home. Ask your neighbor to check the mail and the newspaper in case something gets delivered.
• Mail/Newspaper – Call the Newspaper to hold your subscription and have your mail stopped while you’re away.
You might inform your local police that you are going on vacation. Some police departments encourage you to inform them. Also if you have a Neighborhood Watch program, let them know as well. I hope some of these tips will help you have a more enjoyable vacation. Now go have a good time and remember to take plenty of pictures.