The other day I wrote a blog, which featured simple steps to take to prevent thieves from breaking into your home while you are on vacation. Although it’s difficult to completely safeguard your home from attempted burglaries, there are measures you can take to not attract attention to your empty home. I will list a few in this blog. In addition, I will provide other suggestions to safeguard your home (not necessarily from burglars) that you may want to consider adding to your pre-vacation checklist.
· Before leaving your home—close ground-floor curtains to prevent thieves from “window shopping.” Some people may argue that drawing the drapes actually serves as red flag to burglars that no one is home. If you subscribe to that theory you may want to ask a neighbor to come by periodically to open and close the curtains. If you do plan to keep your shades open, it’s a good idea to store valuables in a safe or simply cover larger expensive items.
· Leave your name off the mailbox or front door. It hinders potential thieves who spot names on mailboxes; look them up in a phone book and call to see if you’re home.
· If you buy an expensive appliance prior to leaving on vacation don’t just throw the box out in the alley or leave it on the curb for the recyclers to pick up. That’s like advertising your new purchase. Instead, flatten the box, put it in a garbage bag and throw it in the bottom of a trash receptacle.
· Before hitting the road turn off the main water to avoid finding a mess when you return. Believe me “accidents” happen. Recently, my aunt returned from vacation to find her basement flooded. She and my uncle had to pump out the water on their own (it was a Sunday) and later spent big bucks having the entire basement re-carpeted.
· To save money turn down the water heater and unplug all TV’s and electronics because they’re “on” a little even when they’re off. Why waste even small amounts of electricity? It also prevents damage from electrical storms and power surges.
· Remember to turn down thermostats. Why heat or cool when no one is there?