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Vacation
Checklist
A
vacation, a weekend away from home or a business trip should be
a pleasant experience for you and your family. You can help make
each trip more enjoyable by taking a few simple steps to reduce
the possibility that your home will be broken into whil e you are
gone.
An
empty house (or one that looks that way!) is a tempting target for
a burglar. Use this checklist of tips to help safeguard your home
while you're away.
- Have good
locks on all doors and windows, and use them!
- Make
sure any broken windows, door or window locks are repaired.
- Ask
a neighbor to watch the house while you're away. It's a
good ida to leave your vacation address and telephone number
with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
- Never
leave your house key hidden outside your home.
- Stop
all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your
mail, newspapers and packages.
- Arrange
for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the
yard to give the home a lived-in look.
- Have
a neighbor place garbage cans at the curb on your normal
pickup days and return them after the garbage pickup is
made.
- Plug
in timers to turn lights and a radio or television on and
off at appropriate times. This helps to disguise the fact
that you are away.
- Turn
the bell or ringer on your telephone down low. If a burglar
is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing
phone.
- Don't
announce your absence on answering machine messages; leave
your normal message on the machine.
- Leave
your blinds, shades and curtains in a normal position. Don't
close them unless that is what you do when you are home.
- Close
and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally
park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park
it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should
be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
- Secure
storage sheds, attic entrances and gates.
- Consider
taking valuables to a bank safe deposit box.
- Tell
your local police you plan to be away. Patrol officers may
have the opportunity to periodically check your home.
- Engrave
your valuables. This simple step will allow your stolen property
to be identified and returned to you if recovered by the police.
While
Traveling
- If you
are driving, make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced
and is in suitable condition for the journey.
- Try to
have specific directions and routes to your destination.
- If you
get lost, call the local police for directions or assistance.
- DON'T keep
your "pink slip" in your vehicle.
- Keep your
vehicle doors and windows locked, even while you are it it!
- At stop
lights and other traffic delays, leave enough space in front
of your vehicle so that you have an escape option in case of
an emergency.
- Let someone
know the route you intend to travel and your itinerary. This
will help authorities in locating you if there is a need to
do so.
- Plan your
trip carefully and allow for factors such as weather, fatigue,
facilities for loding, food, and fuel.
- Be sure
you have sufficient money available; use travelers checks or
credit cards instead of large amounts of cash..
- Ask the
hotel or motel staff about their security measures so you know
what to expect.
- Use the
hotel safe to store your valuables during your stay.
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