Going on Vacation? Security Tips for Leaving Your House

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Finally, it’s summer and you can now take that well-earned vacation.  Whether this means hitting up the beach or simply driving out of the city, one thing is always the same with taking a vacation: It is necessary to ensure that your house and belongings are safe while you’re away.  Read up on these tips from Maine Security on how to maximize safety for your house and valuables while you’re enjoying your vacation. Make your own Home Security Vacation Checklist so you can kick back and relax, knowing that you can return from your vacation with your home just the way you left it:

Exterior Lighting. Put outdoor lighting on either timers, light-sensitive photocell mechanisms, or motion detectors.   You want your home to have the "occupied look" in order to deter criminals.  All potential entry points such as garage, doors, windows, and basement entry-ways should be illuminated.

Interior Lighting. Use timers to activate inside lighting, radios, or TVs.

Keys and Locks. Don't hide keys in mailboxes, under door mats, or any other place that burglars will know to look.  Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor.  For more information on locks and locksmiths click here.

Security Systems. Ensure your security system is armed and provide instructions to the central monitoring station (should you have one) to call your cell phone, police, security patrol guard, and/or a neighbor.  To find out more click on Security Systems.

Identity Theft. While away on vacation secure any important valuables, credit cards, etc. in a safe or safe deposit box.  Make it hard for a criminal to find what he is looking for.  Click here for more information on Identity Theft.

Remove Valuables from Home. If possible, remove valuables from your home and leave with a family member, trusted friend, or neighbor.

Inform a Neighbor. Let a neighbor know of your absence.  Ask them to keep an eye on your house, collect daily newspapers, collect the mail, and put garbage out on trash pickup days, etc.

Cancel Deliveries. Cancel newspaper, milk, and mail deliveries if someone is not going to collect these Items on a periodic basis.

Inform Your Local Police Department. Some police departments encourage you to inform them of your vacation plans.

Grass and Snow. Arrange to have your walkway and drive shoveled and plowed.  Have the grass cut during your absence.

Car in the Driveway. Ask one of your neighbors or friends to park a car in your driveway while away.  This will give the appearance of someone being home.

Read more at Maine Security