Protect your home while on vacation

Protect your home while on vacation

Coming home from a trip to a burglarized home, after a relaxed vacation, can be an unpleasant jolt. The truth is—an empty home is an easy target for burglars. Unfortunately, the peak times for vacations show the highest number of break-ins. However, there is good news. Taking the time to make your home less inviting to potential burglars may help prevent most of these crimes.              

Keeping your house looking occupied while you're away is key. Between packing and booking reservations for your trip, you may be able to deter criminals by taking the following precautions:

• Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them for you.
• Lower the ring on your phone so it cannot be heard outside. Similarly, turn down the volume on your answering machine if you have one.
• Leave shades, blinds, or curtains in their regular positions. However, keep any valuables away from windows so they cannot be seen.
• Trim the shrubs and large trees so trespassers have fewer hiding spots.
• If possible, leave a locked vehicle in your driveway, or ask a neighbor to park there.
• Connect your lights and a radio to automatic timers.
• Ask a neighbor to put out your garbage and mow your lawn.
• Make sure all windows and doors are locked. Deadbolts or cylinder locks may be best for doors.
• If you have a sliding glass door, put a steel or wooden rod in the door channel.
• Consider installing an alarm system that directly alerts a monitoring or police station. If the system is too expensive, simply sticking an alarm decal in a visible location may be enough to scare away a burglar.

Before you leave for a vacation, try to make your home as burglar-proof as possible. Feel confident coming home to things the way you left them by taking the proper precautions. Your trip will be much more relaxing and enjoyable if your home is safe while you're away.

Vol. 13 No. 6, Risk Manager Online, © Liberty Publishing