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5 Ways to Protect Your Home While on Vacation

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Don’t publicize your vacation

You should treat your vacation more like an undercover operation than a relaxing getaway. Just let a few trustworthy friends know that you’re leaving and keep everyone else out of the loop until you return. This is especially important when it comes to social media. While many people like to use their Facebook and Twitter accounts to inform their friends and family about an upcoming trip, a simple status update can be an open invitation for a potential burglars looking for an empty home to ransack.

Create the appearance that someone is home

Before you go on vacation, it is extremely helpful to create the illusion that someone is home. Leaving a light on is a simple yet effective way to accomplish this. If you want to be extra cautious, a random light timer – which you can purchase at most hardware stores for about $20 – will sporadically turn the lights off and on so it always appears like somebody is home. Leaving a radio or television on also helps the house appear occupied.

Adequately secure all doors and windows

Ideally, you want your home to be a fortress before you leave town. Intruders will pick the houses that are easiest to break into and avoid the ones that are secure. Before you leave, loop around your house and check all your doors and windows to make sure they are sturdy and securely locked. Also, make sure to lock any detached garages and sheds. You don’t want a burglar to use your tools to break in. Lastly, make sure to arm your home security system and test it to verify that it’s working. If you don’t have one, Security Choice offers affordable ADT monitored systems at a reasonable price.

Put mail delivery on hold

If you have an on-the-street mailbox, make sure to notify all the companies that send mail (and newspapers) to your home to hold deliveries while you’re on vacation. Burglars will seek out homes where mail and newspapers have piled up. You can also ask a trustworthy neighbor to collect any items that have accumulated in your mailbox or driveway.

Hide your valuables

Burglars know that most people keep their valuables in the bedroom. Consequently, it’s wise to hide expensive belongings and personal documents somewhere else – ideally in a safe.

So what do you think? Do you have any more tips to add to this list?

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stefanie

Friday 1st of February 2013

Love this! With how "Anything goes" facebook is, sometimes it's hard to keep your vacation to yourself!

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