Protecting Your Home While on Vacation
Going on
vacation is understandably an exciting event for every member of
the family. Much thought usually goes into the scheduling and
planning to be sure that all of the details are taken care of.
However, when finalizing your plans, don’t neglect the
protection of your property and belongings that are staying
behind.
Before you
leave, take a few minutes and review the following suggestions.
(Actually, many of these are excellent things to remember all
year round.)
Stop all deliveries to your home.
Newspapers and mail that accumulate are sure giveaways
that no one has been around.
Give a key to a relative or a trusted neighbor.
Ask
that person to check the house as often as possible. Any
deliveries that were not stopped should be taken inside.
Ask that person to open the curtains periodically. If
there is a car in the garage, ask them to park it in the
driveway occasionally. In short, the house should be
made to look lived in.
Install timers.
Having
a light on each level makes the home look occupied. A
timer on a radio is also a good idea.
Disconnect the garage
door opener.
Make
sure that it can’t be opened. Also, lock the door
between the garage and the inside.
If you will be gone
a long time, have your yard taken
care of by someone you trust.
Have
the grass cut promptly.
Never hide a key anywhere outside.
Burglars know these tricks, too.
FINALLY, call the Police Department and request a vacation
watch.
You
can register
for a vacation watch in several ways. It can be done, 24 hours a
day, either in person at the police facility (7401
Meyer Road), or via telephone ( 815- 675- 2596).
You can also print out a Vacation House Watch Request form and
fax it to the police department.
View the form
Print the form
and fax it to ( 815) 675- 2320.
If you prefer, you can bring the completed form to the police
department between
the hours of 8am an 4 pm. |
