Keeping Your Home Safe While You're on Vacation

There are a lot of basic items that should be on your checklist when you leave your home or residence empty.

• The general idea is to make the house appear lived in.
• Ask neighbors to check for packages and mail.
• Cut off newspapers. Anything that isn't picked up and sits around means that the resident is away.
• Buy a few inexpensive timers so that lights, and perhaps the radio, go on and off throughout the day.
• Anything left out in the yard for an extended period is a sign that no one is home. For example, the toys used by a child or pet.
• Also, ask a neighbor or friend to check the outside and inside of the house periodically to see that nothing has gone wrong, such as a burst pipe. If there has been a power outage they can re-calibrate light timers so they aren't going on at illogical times of the night or day.

These are some small actions you can take that can ensure a higher level of security at your home while you're away.

A professional locksmith can also give you advice on how to increase your security for your home.