While You Are Away...

If you were to take a "Vacation Planning 101" class, you would find things like maps and itineraries as part of the curriculum. But an equally important item for your vacation plan is a home security checklist. Before you pack your bags and head to the airport or jump in the car for a road trip, here are a few practical measures to keep your home safe—and give you peace of mind—while you’re away.

• Lock all doors and windows. Check your alarm system to make sure it’s working properly.
• Leave a phone number where you can be reached with a trusted neighbor, and let them know the dates you’ll be away so they can keep an eye on your home.
• Cancel your mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor pick them up for you.
• Give the appearance that your home is occupied by using a timer for your lights, radio and television.
• If you’re leaving your car at home, park it in the driveway instead of the garage, or have a neighbor park their car in front of your house.
• Don’t close all your blinds and shades—it’s a tip-off that no one is home.
• Never leave your house key hidden under a doormat, in a flowerpot or on the ledge of a door; they’re the first places a burglar looks.
• Don’t change the outgoing message on your answering machine to say you’re out of town.
• Make sure you have an updated inventory of personal belongings for insurance purposes. Keep receipts and photos or video of your belongings in a fire-resistant container or in a location away from your home.