I walk a lot with my dog and have already noticed homes this week that are clearly “empty” – as in their owners have gone out of town and forgot or didn’t find it necessary to protect their home in their absence. Papers piling up in driveways, solicitations sitting at the doorstep, even a few with packages sitting outside for 3 days (and counting).
It seems like common sense but, during the holidays there is a lot going on so simple things might be overlooked or just plain forgotten.
Tell Someone: Tell someone you trust the dates that you will be gone. Ask them to drop by a couple times and pick up any flyers or packages. If it’s your neighbor offer to return the favor the next time they are out of town.
Don’t Tell Facebook: I know it’s tempting to post your travel plans on Facebook or tweet that you’re headed to Grandma’s but, don’t do it! That’s the easiest way for someone to know that you’re gone. Albeit these social media sites have security settings you just don’t know how reliable they are or even who is reading what you’re posting.
Leave A Light On: Ideally it will be on a timer but, at the very least turn a light on that’s located in an area that doesn’t allow someone from outside to see into the house at night. If the light is on at night and someone can look in consistently and never see anyone it’s a futile effort. Home Alone ring a bell? I can see the dancing cardboard cut outs now! Burglars survey houses before ever making an attempt to break in.
Lock Your Doors and Windows: This sounds almost insulting to write but, the truth is doors and windows are left unlocked more often than you’d think. It’s one thing to run to the store and forget to lock up but, if you’re gone for days you want to make sure any outside access points are locked. That’s the easiest, most indiscrete way for an intruder to get in.
Taking care of the details before you leave is important. The holidays are stressful enough as it is – leaving your home secure is one less thing to worry about!
Happy Holidays!
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