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Home Safety: A Vacation without WorriesBy No Author
Learning & Life Columnist
According to the FBI, over 1.4 million residences in the USA were burglarized in 2002. The months with the greatest burglary rates were July and August -- the same months that many people go on vacation.
Business plans for burglars
Planning a vacation? Keep in mind that burglars often plan their crimes around their victims' vacation schedules. If burglars see that a house is obviously unoccupied, they are more likely to attempt to rob it. Fortunately, you can take steps to ensure your home's security while you're away.
Before you leave: home improvements
You can reduce the chances criminals will recognize that you're gone. And you can make it hard for them to break into your home if they do realize it's empty.
Home safety improvements police departments suggest you make:
- Install an alarm system in your home. Not only can an alarm system deter criminals, but it can immediately notify the police if there's a break-in.
- Set up your answering machine or voicemail to take phone calls. Use the same greeting that you normally do; you don't want to announce that you're gone.
- Install timers on your lights, radio, and television. Appliances turning on and off at appropriate times will disguise that you're gone.
- Install a smoke detection system. It can save your home in other fire emergencies.
- Make sure your street number is easily visible from the street.
While you're gone: a little help from your friend
A trusted neighbor or friend can help maintain the illusion that your home is occupied. And they can provide you a sense of security in case anything goes wrong.
How your friend might help:
- Your friend can pick up mail, newspapers, and any packages that have been delivered to your home.
- If you'll be gone for an extended period, your friend can water and mow your lawn.
- Your friend might park their car in your driveway, or in front of your house, on occasion.
- Give your friend a house key and instructions for turning off your alarm system. If your friend needs to obtain access to your house during an emergency, the alarm can then be turned off.
- Leave a trip plan with your friend so that he or she can contact you in an emergency.
No Worries
Burglars like easy and obvious jobs. By taking just a few steps, you can make sure they won't target your home -- and give yourself peace of mind so that you can enjoy your vacation.
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