Tips: Protect Your House For Summer Vacation

July 9, 2007

The Home Safety Council offers tips to prepare your house before leaving on summer vacation.

Put bright lights over porches and walkways in the front and back.
All doors to the outside should have working locks.
Garage and shed doors need working locks too.
All windows should have working locks.
Before you leave, walk through each room of your home to make sure all doors to the outside, sliding doors, and windows are securely locked.
If you have an automatic garage door, always, look over your shoulder before leaving the driveway to ensure the garage door has completely closed behind you.
Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed under windows so burglars can't hide in them.
Keep ladders stored in a locked shed or garage so they can't be used to climb into your home.
Keep shades or curtains closed over garage and shed windows.
Keep shades or curtains closed over your home windows after dark.
Don't leave toys, tools and equipment in the yard.
Make your home look like someone is there. Consider using timers to turn selected lights on and off automatically. Timers are also available for outdoor water sprinklers.
Do yard work before you leave.
Have a family member or friend bring in your mail and newspaper while you are gone. Give them a key to keep at their home; do not leave a key in a hiding place.
If you use an answering machine, do not record a message that indicates you are out of town.

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