Preparing Your Home For A Vacation

By: James C
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:21:26
Print this article | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

You have probably spent a great deal of time planning your vacation. You have researched hotels, you found the best price on airfare, you arranged a rental car and you might have even planned out an itinerary. There is one important detail that you have probably forgotten. Have you planned for the security of your home while you are gone. Empty houses are a magnet for thieves. If you would like to make sure that everything is still in your home when you get back, there are some steps that should be taken.

Make Your Home Look Lived In
The most important thing that you can do to keep your home safe is to make it look like you never left. Don't leave obvious signs that you are on vacation. Have a friend or a neighbor come by and pick up newspapers, mail and door flyers. Also leave some lights on inside your home. Nothing says this house is empty than a house with no lights on. You can buy timers relatively cheaply these days. Buy a couple of timers and program lights , TVs' and radios to come on at usual times. Avoid leaving answering machine messages saying that you are on vacation. Also check your voice mail occasionally to keep your mail box from filling up. It wouldn't be hard for a burglar to do a reverse search on your address and get your phone number. Lastly, if you plan on being gone for a long period arrange for someone to cut your lawn.

Make Your Home Physically Secure
Make a thorough security sweep of your home. Check all windows, door locks and deadbolts. Do not assume that a criminal could not enter that third story window. If you keep spare keys outside of your home, do not leave them in obvious locations. Keys located under flower pots, under door mats or even in cheap artificial rocks are not secure. Also be sure that you call your alarm company if you have one. Tell them you will be on vacation and give them a contact number for a friend or neighbor.

Prepare To Be Robbed
No matter how many precautions you take, you could still be robbed. Prepare for the worst by making an inventory of all of your valuables. It will be a big help when you need to settle up with your insurance company. If you have a camcorder or can borrow one, take a video inventory. Store the tape in a safe place such as a safe deposit box. If you have large valuables, etch your drivers license number into them. It will make them much easier to identify if they wind up at a local pawn shop.

Nobody expects to be a victim of crime, but it does happen. By taking a little time to protect your home you can greatly reduce your chances of being a victim or make it easier to recover from a burglary.

For more security information, visit the Locksmith Directory

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Home Security category

  • Simple Burglary Prevention Tips - By: Martin Underwood
    When you hear news reports of home burglaries, do you notice how often those burglaries could have been prevented by applying simple burglary prevention tips? Could a few simple precautions stop somebody breaking into your home?
  • Installing a Wall Safe is Easy - By: MJ Marks
    A wall safe is something anyone can easily install. They are mysterious and cool, yet functional and practical.
  • Covert Cameras - Why You Could Need a Mini Spy Camera - By: Kathryn Dawson
    Once the sole preserve of secret government agencies, a mini spy camera is now available to anyone - but why would you need a covert camera? Read on to find out. Covert cameras have a host of uses both at home and in business - here's a look at some reasons why you may need a mini spy camera.
  • Be Safe from Intruders, the Benefits of Wireless Alarm Systems and CCTV to stop Burglaries - By: John Anderson
    With these pressuring economic times there are criminals hiding around every corner. We may feel safe in our homes with our loved ones but it only takes a few hours while you are out at work or doing the weekly shop for someone to break in and completely change the atmosphere of your family home. A burglar won't be worried about your feelings. Protect yourself and your home with wireless alarm systems and even CCTV systems to give you that piece of mind and keep you safe.
  • Sentry Safes Help Uphold the Right to Bear Arms - By: MJ Marks
    The right to bear arms is an important right in America. But with great rights, comes great responsibility. Sentry safes can help protect this right, as well as the people around us.
  • Stay Safe and Protected at Home with Innovative Wireless Alarm Systems and CCTV - By: John Anderson
    Criminals and thieves are looking for any easy way to make a quick buck. As a result you could be left severely out of pocket. If your home or property is lacking a suitable security system then you have a greater chance of being broken into and burgled than those who have some security measures fitted. Its simple logic, a criminal will look for opportunities that provide the least amount of risk for the maximum amount of gain. How to get protected and look at purchasing a wireless alarm system.
  • In-Home Fire Safety - By: Stan Hume
    Life safety and property protection are the two major reasons to provide fire protection features in any building.
  • Don't be a Victim! How Home Alarm Systems and Wireless Alarm Systems can keep you Safe! - By: John Anderson
    Home Insurance is certainly a good idea to give you some form of protection making it easier for you to sleep at night, but is it enough? No. It's not. What can be done about this? It's 2010, moats and armed guards aren't practical. Nowadays home security systems and even wireless alarm systems are the prime defence and are the preferable choice to ensure your property is secure from burglars, intruders and criminals. Installing security systems will improve the safety of your family and home.
  • Security Cameras - Your Guide to Buying the Best Spy Cameras - By: Michiel Van Kets
    Security cameras can help make your home and business safe and secure; here's your guide to buying spy cameras. Spy cameras allow you to keep a vital eye on your home and business - here's what you need to know when looking at security cameras.
  • Window Security - How Retractable Gates Can Keep You Safe and Secure - By: Michiel Van Kets
    Break ins to your home or business premises can be devastating but you can go a long way towards protecting yourself with retractable gates. Window security is the key to a safe property and installing retractable gates is the most effective way to make your windows impregnable.