It's now mid January. We have just been through a few days of extremely cold temperatures, and now a massive snow storm is coming through, yet again. Thankfully, you have that big vacay planned out, and in just a few weeks you'll be maxing and relaxing on the beach sipping a bevy out of a coconut. Thats all fine and dandy but how about your home back in the Ice Coast of Canada? Vacation time is the perfect time for burglaries! Here are a few tips to help protect your home while you are away.
Stop All Deliveries - Alert the post office that you will be away, and have them hold your mail until you return. Having mail and packages piling up at your door is a green light for any robber to come on in, nobody home.
Alert your Neighbors - Speak with your neighbors and let them know that you will be out of town. Provide them with an emergency number and maybe even have them take out your garbage, perhaps shovel or snowblow your driveway, or if in the summer, water and mow your lawn(sorry neighbors). Anything that you can think of to make it appear that you are home.
Make it look like you are home - Park a car in the driveway, turn the ringers off on your home phone, and most importantly install some timers for your lights and your TV. Timers are inexpensive and most have multiple time settings to make it appear as though you're home.
Secure all entry ways - Deadbolt your doors and secure all the windows. In other words, don't make it too easy for them to come right on in.
Remove Valuables, and that extra key - I know you got it "hidden" out there. Under the flower pot, the front door mat, the stairs, by the light. Let's face it, there's only so many places that one can hide a key, someone else can find it too. After they do, don't give them what they want and have your valuables hidden away at a friend or family members.
Well hopefully this all helps. Enjoy your vacation and come back to your home the same way as you left it.
If you need any other helpful hints on protecting your home, home maintenace or preparing your home for sale in the upcoming spring, please feel free to contact me.
