| When you're looking forward to head off for that well | | | | will be safe and secure and you can focus on what's |
| deserved summer vacation, the last thing you want on | | | | really important, blue skies and sandy beaches. |
| your mind is the security of your home while you're | | | | Here are some home security tips to remember when |
| gone. | | | | going on vacation. |
| According to home security experts, the most | | | | 1. Secure all entrances with easy access |
| important step in avoiding a break in while you're away | | | | - Install secure deadbolt locks |
| is avoiding a break in while you're home. Fortunately, | | | | - Lock all doors and windows |
| this isn't as burdensome as one would expect. | | | | - Secure all garage openings |
| Some simple, but important, first steps include ensuring | | | | - Remove ladders and staging |
| that your house and yard are adequately lit both with | | | | - Remove garbage containers |
| floodlights and motion detector lights. Additionally, all | | | | 2. Don't leave a sign on your door for friend's saying |
| doors and windows should remain locked. Even | | | | when you will be back. |
| consider putting grates over windows on first floor | | | | 3. Participate in your Neighborhood Watch Program |
| windows. While it seems obvious, many homeowners | | | | 4. Avoid signs you are away |
| fall victim to burglaries again and again because they | | | | - Stop newspaper and mail delivery or arrange for |
| overlook these basic first steps. | | | | pick-up |
| Another step in ensuring the protection of your home | | | | - Arrange for the checking and removal of weather |
| is to invest in a home security system. The sale of | | | | debris |
| home security systems has been on the rise in recent | | | | - Set up timed inside and outside lighting at varied |
| years particularly in urban and sub-urban settings. | | | | intervals |
| Often, newly built homes come built in with security | | | | - Arrange for friends or family to park in your |
| systems and those that are not initially equipped are | | | | driveway |
| frequently upgraded. | | | | 5. Set up your home with lights and alarms to |
| Many homeowners prefer to have a friend, family | | | | discourage intruders |
| member or neighbor to check in on the house once or | | | | - Light up your home and yard including sensor lights |
| twice a week. This strategy has the added benefit of | | | | - Install peep holes for optional viewing of entrances |
| collecting the mail, removing flyers from the front door | | | | - Arrange for motion detection around all entrances |
| and picking up newspapers from the lawn, all indicators | | | | - Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to expose intruders |
| that the home is empty and unattended. | | | | - Test your security system before leaving for |
| If no one is available to house sit or check in at least | | | | vacation |
| once a week, measures can still be taken. Home | | | | - Display the logo of your security system prominently |
| security experts recommend stopping the mail while | | | | Research shows that these few steps help ensure |
| away (even if only for a few days), setting lights on | | | | your home security while you are on vacation. The |
| timers and making sure garbage bins are not left in the | | | | benefits include protection of your home and |
| front yard. | | | | belongings and a safer community for you and your |
| Even the simplest measures could make the | | | | family. The small effort required to plan for your home |
| difference between a burglar breaking in your house | | | | security during your vacation will bring big rewards |
| or just passing by. The next time you pack up for a | | | | including Peace of Mind. |
| summer holiday you can rest assure that your house | | | | |