Keeping Your House Safe While On Vacation

Tips for Tuesday

Summer is upon us, and that means many of us will be going on vacation.  Whether it's for a long weekend or several weeks, your house will be empty.  July and August are prime months for thieves, as they know many houses are unoccupied while their owners are out of town.  There are ways to protect your home and belongings, though, so you don't become a victim.

·         Put your lights on timers, both inside and outside.   Put your television on a timer also.

·         Have your house well-lit, and trim shrubs and trees away from windows and doors. 

·         Inform your local police department that you will be out of town so they can watch for activity.

·         Ask a neighbor or family member to check on your house.  Give them a key.  This is especially important if there is a power outage.

·         Keep all doors and windows locked.

·         Cancel mail and newspaper delivery.  Papers piled up on the driveway are evidence you are not at home.

·         Adjust your thermostat.  Don't turn off the air conditioning, but rather keep the setting warmer than if you were home. 

·         If you have a swimming pool, secure the yard so nobody can access the pool.

·         Collect loose items from the yard and patio, including lawn chairs, so they don't blow around in a storm.

·         Unplug appliances and computers in the event of a power outage or power surge.

·         Don't publicize your vacation on Facebook or other social media.  You're announcing to the world that your house will be empty.

·         Place valuables in a safe deposit box at the bank.

·         Install an alarm system.