With holidays aproaching so are travel plans. Remember to take precautions to protect your home and valuables during your absence. Here are a few tips:

Install inexpensive auto timers for your electrical appliances and lights, which make your home look occupied;

Have mail and newspaper delivery stopped or have them picked up by a friend or neighbor. When there ae pikes of uncollected newsppaers, it's a sign for would-be ne'er do wells.

Ask someone to park their car in your driveway at times to give the impression that someone is there;

Let neighbors know you are gone, leaving them your email and telephone number, but not to let strangers know. Always a good idea not to discuss your travel plans in public places where you might be overheard.;

Before you leave, double check that all doors, windows (especially those in the basement) are locked. Make sure they have deadbolts.

Make arrangementss for the your trash cans to be set out on regular trash days;

Remember to put small valuables in a safe or safe deposit box at your bank. 

Haven an inventory list (including photos) to make insurance claims easier if things such as power tools, TVs, cameraps, sports equipemnt, computers, etc. are stolen;

Make sure to have your driveway and walks shoveled if a snowstorm is expected.