Spring Vacation Security Tips

Read up on these tips from Maine Security on how to maximize safety for your house and valuables while you’re enjoying your spring 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.

Read more at Maine Security