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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Vacation Tips

If you're like me, you like to get away whenever possible, even if just for a weekend camping trip to the cooler northern regions. Here are some tips to help keep your home secure while you're away.

1. If going away for more than a day or two, arrange to have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers. Newspapers lying in a driveway are a giveaway that you may not be home. You can also put a "vacation hold" on your mail and newspapers.

2. Do not leave cash or valuables in your house while you're away, unless you can secure them in a vault that is bolted to your floor. Take valuables to a safe deposit box at your bank.

3. Notify the sheriff's department of the dates that you will be gone and leave them with an emergency contact number. They will send a patrol car by to check on your house while you are away.

4. Arrange to have your grass cut while you're gone.

5. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house and call you and/or the police if they see anything suspicious.

6. Plug in light timers (available for under $10 at Home Depot, etc.) and program to turn lights on/off at appropriate times to give the appearance that someone is home.

7. Unplug all electrical appliances, including t.v.'s to prevent possible damage from storms.

8. Set your thermostat to maintain a reasonable temperature; 85 in summer and 50 in winter are good settings.

9. Turn off water to washing machine in case hose breaks to avoid flooding.

10. Turn off the ringer on your phone so it can't be heard from outside. Don't leave a message on your answering machine saying you're away!

11. Place wooden dowels in window sliders and sliding glass doors.

12. Disable automatic garage door opener.

13. Lock your door and padlock your gate.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the advice. Will prefer to go for a family camping trip next time.