Take Me To Post Comment Form July and August are the peak months for family summer vacations. Make sure before you leave that your home is safe while you are gone.

Home Security

At least one day before you leave:

1. If you know and trust your newspaper carrier, you should have your newspaper deliveries discontinued until you return. We recommend, however, that you continue to have your newspaper delivered and arrange with a trusted friend or relative to pick it up every day.

2. The same holds true for mail deliveries; have a trusted friend or relative pick it up each day.

3. Make arrangements to have your lawn cut and watered. Have someone remove throwaway papers and circulars from your doorway and yard every day.

4. If you have valuables in your residence, take them to your bank for storage in a safe deposit box or vault. Deposit any extra cash in your account.

5. Tell you a neighbor when you plan to depart and return and let them know the name, address, and phone number of the person taking care of your house. Also provide contact information in case of emergency.

6. Make sure any broken windows, doors, or locks are repaired.

7. Arrange with a neighbor (could be the same as in number 5) or relative to watch your house and give them a key. Ask them to check the house periodically. Have them change the position of the drapes or blinds to give the appearance that someone is living there. Let them know where you are and how to can be reached. Write their number down so that you can check with them during your trip.

8. Ask your neighbor to park his/her extra car in your driveway.

9. Remove all ladders, tools, lawn furniture, garbage cans, etc. to your garage, basement, or storage shed.

10. Contact the Sheriff’s Office for extra patrols in the neighborhood while you are gone.

On the day you leave:

1. Turn down the ringer volume control on your phone so that it cannot be heard from the outside.

2. Make sure that you have closed and locked all doors and windows. Use all of the added security techniques such as deadbolts and pins in windows.

3. Put window shades in their normal daytime position and make sure all main floor drapes, shades and curtains are arranged so that your neighbors and police can see into your home.

4. If you are leaving a car or other vehicle in the driveway, make sure that it is locked.

5. An empty garage advertises your absence, so close and lock your garage door.

6. Set an electrical timer to turn some lights on and off during the evening hours. You might get several times and set them consecutively so that when the lights go off in the living room, for example, they go on in a bedroom. This makes it look like someone is moving around in the house.

7. Hook up your electrical timer to your radio. Tune the radio to a talk station and keep the volume rather low. This will create the impression of conversation.

8. Make sure that the last person out of the house checks all locks on doors and windows. Take a walk around the house to double-check that everything has been done.

9. If you have not already done so, leave a key with your neighbor or relative. Check to make sure that you have their phone number.

10. When packing the car, try to do so in a closed garage. Potential criminals passing by may witness this and know you are going away.

DO NOT:
• Leave notes indicating your absence.
• Leave extra keys in obvious places such as the mailbox, under the mat, and so forth.
• Advertise your vacation on your neighborhood website. Hackers can easily gain this information.

Vacation Personal Safety

Being alone: Criminals want to lower their chances of meeting resistance, being identified, and getting caught. To put the odds in your favor, do not offer them a lone target by going out by yourself any more than necessary.

Sightseeing: The most dangerous time to be on the streets is at night. Do your sightseeing during the day if possible.

Where you go: Crime usually occurs in the area where the offender is able to isolate his target and thus lower his chance of resistance and detection. Deserted side streets and the like should be avoided if possible.

How you dress: Dress in a way that blends in. Don’t wear expensive accessories or clothing that would hinder you from defending yourself.

Your behavior: Studies have shown that people who are not aware of their surroundings and do not pay attention to where they are going are more susceptible to crime. Being intoxicated also significantly increases your changes of being a victim.

Money: Do not carry large sums of money in public. (Carry traveler’s checks if possible). Don’t pull out all your money when you pay for something and don’t constantly pat your pocket or look in your purse to make sure your wallet is still there. These are all signs that you have money on you. If you are going to a place known for pick-pockets, carry a decoy. Carry an extra wallet that has a few dollars, some old ID (with old information) and maybe some old photos and carry it in the regular spot. If your pocket is picked or you are mugged you have something to give the suspect. Keep your ‘real’ wallet in your front pants pocket or in some other travel carrier.

Finally, and most importantly, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Know where you are and pay attention to what is going on around you.