You Are Going On Vacation - Help Burglars Take One Too!

By Michael McBee

An empty house is an attractive target for a burglar. Use this checklist of common sense tips to help safeguard your home while you're away.

  • Have good locks on all doors and windows and USE THEM!
  • Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you're away. It's a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
  • Never leave your house key hidden outside your home, if someone is watching your home for you, GIVE them a key.
  • Stop all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers, door knob advertisments and packages.
  • Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in at home look.
  • Plug in timers to turn lights, radio or television on and off at different times. This helps to disguise the fact that you are away.
  • Don't announce your absence on answering machine messages or telephone company voice mail systems.
  • Leave your blinds, shades, shutters and curtains in a normal position. Don't close them unless that is what you do when you are home. Burglars case (watch) neighborhoods and will notice out-of-the-ordinary appearances.
  • Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
  • Tell your local police, neighborhood watch, community patrol you plan to be away. Patrol officers may have the opportunity to periodically check your home.
  • Engrave your valuables as recommended in Operation I.D (contact your local police or sheriff on how the program works). This simple step will allow your stolen property to be identified and returned to you if recovered by the authorities.
  • Get a product like "Rex the Dog", for the front and back doors. "Rex" uses passive radar that detects when someone approaches. When Rex senses movement, he "Barks" or use one of the other 3 sounds the unit has. Burglars do not like a home with a dog.

Traveling Safety after securing your home

  • If you are driving, make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in appropriate condition for the trip.
  • Try to have specific directions and routes to your destination, use MapQuest.com or maps.yahoo.com to plan your route.
  • If you get lost, call the local police for directions or assistance. If you feel comfortable stop at a local 7-11, Circle-K or such store, I have found them to be very helpful in the past.
  • Always keep your vehicle doors locked and windows up, if someone comes up to your vehicle they will not be able to just open the door or grab you.
  • At stoplights and other traffic delays, leave enough space in front of your vehicle so that you have an escape option in case of an emergency. How much is enough space, about half a car length for most vehicles.
  • Let someone know the route you intend to take and your itinerary. Tell them you will call in from time to time to let them know where you are. This will help authorities in locating you if there is a need to do so.
  • Plan your trip carefully and allow for factors such as weather, fatigue, facilities for lodging, food and fuel. Be sure you have sufficient finances, either cash, traveler's checks (preferred) and credit or debit (check) cards.
  • Ask the hotel or motel staff about their security measures so you know what to expect, I carry around some sort of a Door Jammer to supplement the facilities door security measures.
  • Use the hotel safe to store your valuables during your stay.

The above are just some common sense tips, I am sure after reading them you have thought of a few others.

Have a Safe and wonderful Trip.

About the Author:

Michael is an online entrepreneur with over 20 years of offline and online sales and marketing experience. His background covers a wide spectrum including Security, Insurance, and Information Technology He is now the owner of a web site promoting self-defense and home protection products. For more information please visit: Non Lethal Defense