Preparing For Vacation

You've got your plane tickets, your luggage is packed and your ready to go. Have you forgotten anything? Is your home secure. Here are a few steps to take before going on vacation to make sure your home doesn't become a burglars dream.

Make Your Home Look Lived In

If you have newspaper service, discontinue it while you are gone. Have a friend or neighbor bring in the mail each day. This is a big sign that you are gone. Nothing says no one is home like an overstuffed mail box and a dozen newspapers on the ground. Have your friend pull flyers off of the door as well.
If you will be gone for a very long time have someone cut your lawn.
That takes care of the outside of you home. Now for the inside of your home. Set lights and your TV or radio on a timer. Have it come on at times that you would normally be watching TV or radio. Do not leave an answering machine or voice mail message saying that you are out of town.

Secure Your Home

Lock all doors and windows. This includes second and/or third story windows. Do not assume a thief can not reach a window. Tell your alarm company that you will be leaving town. Give them the names of some local contacts that they can notify in case of an emergency. Ask a neighbor to keep an ee on your home.

Inventory Your Home

In case you do become a victim of theft, know what you have. Record your valuables, If possible, take a video inventory of your belongings and keep the tape in a safe place. If you can not videotape your valuables, take pictures. Etch your drivers license number into large items and electronics. This will help police ID them if they are found.