Keeping Your Home Safe While While You Are Enjoying Vacation

When a home is left empty for an extended period of time, the darkened windows and accumulating mail can advertise your absence to those who would like to damage or rob you and your home. Before you leave for your vacation, you need to do what you can to make sure your home and belongings are protected while you are gone. Safeguard against crime and other issues by taking the following precautions:

Pull The Plug

Unplug your television, computer, toaster oven and other appliances to protect them from power surges. Do this to save power as well. According to the Consumer Energy Center, many appliances use power even when they're turned off.

Remove Your Spare Key

That plastic rock isn't fooling anyone. If a criminal figures out you're away on vacation, it's likely that he or she will check your porch for a spare key. So reach under the mat, into the mailbox, above the door frame or into the flower pot and remove your spare key before you leave on your vacation.

Make The Most of Your Home Alarm System

If you have an alarm system and want to receive the best home security while away, notify your alarm company you will be out of town and that no one will be entering your home during that time (if that's the case). That way, if your alarm goes off, the company will automatically send police.

Stop Your Mail And Newspaper Delivery

If your mailbox is overflowing while you are away, criminals will be alerted that you aren't home. If you don't have a friend who will be bringing in your mail, contact the post office to temporarily suspend delivery. Do the same with your newspaper — if you are one of the few who still actually gets the paper delivered.

Keep Quiet

You don't need to broadcast to everyone (especially on sites like Facebook) that you are going to be away. You never know who is going to be reading or listening. Instead, tell a few select people in your neighborhood so that they can keep an eye on your house.