What to do when you plan to be away from home
A vacant house, or one that appears to be vacant, is an appealing target to a burglar. This is true during the work day when everyone may be at work or school or during a vacati0n, a weekend away from home, or a business trip. You can alleviate day-to-day worries and make a trip more carefree if you take a few simple steps to reduce the possibility that your home will be burglarized or vandalized while you are gone.
Although you should be aware of leaving windows and doors closed and locked whenever you will be out of the home, there are a number of things to consider when you’re going to be away for a weekend or longer.
Returning to a home that has been broken into is an unpleasant finish to any trip. Never give a burglar an even break!
AT LEAST ONE DAY BEFORE YOU LEAVE
1. Arrange with a neighbor to pick up and hold your mail and newspapers so they don’t pile up. If
this is not possible, notify your news-carrier and the post office to discontinue these deliveries.
2. Make arrangements to have your grass cut and watered while you are gone. Have someone
check daily to remove or throw away papers and circulars from your doorway and yard.
3. If you have valuables in the house, take them to your bank for storage in a safety deposit box.
Deposit extra cash in your bank account.
4. Notify your sheriff’s office about your departure and return dates and give a name and
telephone number of a neighbor or relative to notify in case of a burglary, fire or other
emergency.
5. Make sure any broken windows, door locks or window locks are repaired.
6. Arrange with a neighbor or relative to watch your house and give them a key. Let them know
where and how you can be reached in an emergency. Write their telephone number down so
you can check with them during your trip. Give them your car description and license number.
7. Move all ladders, tools, lawn implements, garbage cans and yard furniture to your garage,
basement or storage shed.
ON THE DAY YOU LEAVE
1. Unplug all electrical appliances such as radios, television sets, irons, washers, and fans to
prevent possible damage from electrical storms.
2. Set your thermostat so that your furnace or air conditioner will maintain a reasonable
temperature – 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
In winter, make sure outside water taps are drained to prevent freezing.
3. Close your fireplace flue to prevent birds or animals from entering.
4. Make sure all gas appliances are in good order and the pilot lights are working.
5. Turn down the volume control on the bottom of your telephone and answering machine so it
cannot be heard from outside.
6. Close and lock all windows and sliding doors. Make sure that a “charley bar” is secure on sliding
doors, and that all screens or storm windows are locked or fastened.
7. Put window shades in normal daytime position, and make sure all main floor drapes, shades
curtains are arranged so that neighbors and police can see into your house.
8. If you are leaving a car or other vehicle in your driveway, make sure it is locked.
9. Set your electrical timer to turn some lights on and off during the evening hours.
10. Lock your garage doors.
11. Make sure the last person out locks the door. Take a walk around the house. Check the doors and
windows.
12. If you haven’t already done so, leave your key with your neighbor or relative. Check to make
sure you have their telephone number.
