Jul
29
Written by:
tgibson
7/29/2011 1:56 PM
Although the weather is not cooperating for Vancouver Island so far this summer, many people have had their summer vacations planned for months, and if you don’t you may be looking to get away from the rain and into the sun. Whatever your case may be, a very important thing to think about when planning your vacation is the safety and security of your home. Vacationing away leaves your home vulnerable to break-ins and theft related crimes.Going on a vacation should be enjoyable and relaxing, Taking a few precautions can help ensure peace of mind during your time away from your home and keep your sense of security when you return.
The best way to keep your home safe in your absence is to make it appear like you are actually home, leaving no clues that you are away.
Do's:
· Use light timers and ensure different patterns of when the lights come on and where, always leaving the same light on could tip-off a thief and signal that you are not home.
· Use timers for the TV and or radio
· Turn down the volume on your phone ringer and answering machine so that they cannot be heard outside, or have your answering machine turned down but have it grab the call on the first ring.
· Maintain an everyday appearance by leaving some curtains and blinds open.
· Keep the door between the garage and the house locked.
· Keep the perimeter of your house well lit by installing motion detector lights.
· Stop delivery of newspapers and mail or ask a neighbour or someone you know and trust to pick them up for you.
· Keep bushes and shrubs near your home’s entrance and walkway well trimmed, overgrown shrubs provide an easy camouflage for burglars.
· Arrange to have your lawn mowed.
· Ask a neighbour to occasionally park in your driveway, or if you are leaving a car have someone move it around on occasion.
· Ensure all of your windows and doors are locked.
· Examine your house from the outside to make sure that no valuables are in sight. If a passerby can see your expensive artwork and electronics, then a burglar definitely can.
· Place a metal rod or a bolt-lock in the track of your sliding glass door.
· If you have an automatic garage opener, it is a good idea to unplug it when you leave.
· Ensure you have adequate home insurance to cover your home and its contents.
· Arrange to have someone take out your garbage cans the day of.
· Empty refrigerator of perishable foods.
· Test your smoke and alarm systems.
DON’Ts
· Don’t leave a message on your answering machine saying that you aren’t home, especially leaving the date that you will be returning.
· Let the newspapers and mail stack up.
· Leave the garbage cans out on the curb.
· Leave a key hidden outside under a matt, flower pot or window sill.
· Leave tools or ladders outside that can be used to gain access in to your home.
· Leave valuable items in clear view of any open curtains or blind you have left open.
· Share your vacation plans on Social Media ie) Facebook, Twitter.
It may be a good idea to ask someone that you know and trust, or a reputable company to “house sit”, especially if you are taking an extended vacation. You can also leave them with your contact details in case of an emergency.
A vacation is something that we all look forward to and nothing can destroy the memories of a wonderful experience than arriving home to find you’ve been burglarized. The key to keeping your house safe and secure while you travel is to make your house look as ‘normal’ and ‘lived in’ as possible while you are gone.
Home safety should always be taken into consideration while you are traveling. A few precautions can go a long way during your preparation for travel which can help ensure you return to a safe and sound home.