5 Ways to Protect Your Home While on Vacation

Going on vacation? Worried about your belongings while you are gone is one of the major stresses of going away. Here are 5 things that you can do to keep your home safe while you are away and to help keep you worry free.

1-Tell Everyone

The more people who know that you are away, the better. Neighbors who know you are gone and see activity in your house will become suspicious and alert the police. Strange vehicles parked in your drive will get everyone’s attention if they know you are away. Also, it is a good idea to give your friends and neighbors a contact number where you can be reached just in case.

2-Timers

Having timers in your house on your lights and TV set at random intervals will make potential burglars think that someone is home causing them to look elsewhere. Make sure the timers are set on random though. Burglars casing your home notice when a light comes on and goes off at the same time every day.

3-House Sitters

Consider paying a house sitter to live in your home for a week while you are gone. This could be a close friend or a relative, but the money will be well spent and is cheaper than replacing stolen items. It will also be good for your peace of mind.

4-Grass, papers, and mail

Have a friend pick up your newspaper and mail and pay your mowers to come and do your yard while you are away. This will give your house a “lived in” look and keep thieves from knowing you are away.

5-Locks

Make sure that all windows were locked before you left. Most burglaries happen through unlocked doors and windows, even on the second floor. Don’t let this happen to you.

Tony Payne is the author of “Home Security: Protecting Your Home From Burglars”