10 Tips for Home Safety While You’re on Vacation
1. Keep Your Lips Sealed Like Agent Mulder used to say on “The X-Files” trust no one. Be cautious of who you tell about your departure. One innocent comment could lead to a disaster. Don’t risk it. It’s okay to let a trusted neighbor know when and where you are going just don’t broadcast it to your whole neighborhood.
2. Just In Time Fake potential burglars into thinking you are home in a “Home Alone” type of manner. Not as clever as Macaulay Culkin? Never fear, an electrical timer is here. Hook a timer up to lights, televisions and radios. This will throw off the fact that there isn’t anyone home. Adjust the timer’s setting to your normal routine. You are a sly fox.
3. The Obvious Make sure that everything is locked up and secure before heading out on your summertime excursion. Double check sheds, windows, garage doors, basement windows and any other opportunistic niche a robber might get into.
4. Snail Mail It is also a good idea to get the post office to hold your mail while you are away. Or let a trusted neighbor collect your mail for you as well as newspapers.
5. Magic Box Keep valuables such as jewelry and important documents in a safe deposit box. You might also consider keeping a video diary of all of your belongings. This may prove useful in getting your belongings back if something were to happen to them.
6. Who is it? An unanswered phone might tip off a prowler that no one is home. Turn the ringer to the phone off while away and most definitely don’t vocalize your departure on your answering machine message.
7. Auto-zone Remember that trusted neighbor that you are going to have collect your mail? Why not get him or her to park in your driveway while you are away? This gives the house a “lived in” feel.
8. Perpetual Motion Keep the curve balls coming with an outdoor light with a motion sensor. If the light were to come on while prowling around your house a robber would assume someone is home and get out of the vicinity ASAP!
9. Oven Ware Before heading out make sure you cut off your electricity, gas and water to avoid potential flooding, gas leakage or fire. It sounds a bit rash but it is always better to be safe than sorry.
10. Sound the Alarm It might be a good idea to call your home security company and tip them off about your plans. This way the company will know where you are and how to reach you if something does occur. Notify local law enforcement as well so they can keep an extra eye on your home.
It’s time to gather up the kids, grab the sunscreen and fill up the car because you are now ready for your summer vacation. With these tips not only will you be able to relax on your vacation with your newly acquired piece of mind but you can be assured that your house is safe. Now the only thing you have to worry about is how much sugar you would like in your coffee. Will it be one lump or two?
