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Lights:
Making your home look the same as it does while
you're away is the most important part in preventing burglaries.
Leaving the same light(s) on in the same room(s) is vital in
protecting your home while you're away. There is no need to keep a
light on in every room. However, if you have a large home or
children I recommend that you leave more than one light on a timer
in the rooms that are the most occupied when you are at home. I
myself prefer two lights on timers one in the main living room and
one in the bedroom. I set each timer for the times that these rooms
are occupied when my family is at home. A porch light is also
helpful but only if you use this light regularly. If you never turn
on your porch light and then turn it on when you're away this
becomes very noticeable. Think about either a timer or daylight
sensor for your porch light and start to use it. Motion detectors
are also very important however these can easily be defeated by
unscrewing the bulbs. Make sure your motion detector is placed high
enough so it can't be reached by some one hoisting somebody else up
to unscrew your bulb.
Doors and Windows:
Make sure all your doors and windows are properly
secured before you go away. This includes the cellar or basement
windows and garage windows if you have an attached garage. Make sure
the doors leading into your home from these areas are also secured.
Lock all the locks on all of your doors this includes the storm
doors too. If you are planning a vacation in the summer months it is
advisable to put down the storm windows on all windows within easy
reach from the outside. If you use a window air conditioner and
can't properly secure your window with it in then remove the unit
and secure that window. It is also recommended that you partially
close all blinds and/or curtains so no one can look in.
Mail and Newspapers:
If you have a mail slot in your door make sure the
postal carrier has access to it. Do not lock the storm door leading
to the mail slot. If you haven't a mail slot have your mail delivery
stopped at the Post Office. Consider putting in a mail slot this
will eliminate the need to cancel your delivery. If you're planning
to be away for an extended period have your mail forwarded to you.
Cancel the newspaper for the time you're away.
Notifying Neighbors:
Notifying neighbors that you'll be away
is always good policy. If you live in an area where you are
unfamiliar with your neighbors or feel uncomfortable letting them
know you'll be away then donšt inform them of your plans. If you
trust your neighbors then let them know the dates when you'll be
away and leave them a number where you'll be in case of emergency.
You don't have to notify all your neighbors only one or two will
do.
Leaving a
key:
Leaving a key with
someone is a matter of personal preference. You can leave a key with
whom you feel comfortable with. It can be your neighbor or a
relative or even a friend. Make certain that whoever has access to
your house will know what to do in case of an emergency and can
handle any situation if needed. If you have someone with access to
your house other than your neighbor and you have also notified your
neighbor, leave them the number of the person who has access to your
house only if that person has allowed you to give out his/her
number.
Other Important Items:
Locking the gates surrounding your home
is a good idea but only if the locks cannot be seen from the
outside. If you vacation during the winter it is very important to
arrange to have someone shovel your walk. A walk that goes
un-shoveled for a few days makes your home an inviting target. Put
away all yard items such as yard tools, rakes and other things that
are not needed while you're away. Try not to let everyone know that
you'll be away from your home you never know who might be
listening.
Following these steps will make your home safe
while your away and your vacation worry free. Remember, making your
home look the same way as it does while you're away as when you are
at home is the most important part in keeping your home
safe.
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