Vacation Safety Tips - For Home And Away

Summer vacation or anytime vacation - it's great to get away from work and home to just relax and enjoy some R & R. Whether you're going out of the country or traveling locally for your vacation, keeping your home safe and secure while you are on vacation is a major concern.

Statistics show that more burglaries occur in July and August than in any other months. Now that will make a lot of homeowners cringe as they get ready to leave town - especially if they don't have a security system or someone to keep an eagle eye out for their home.

You can do some things that will enhance your home's security and give you a little extra peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.

Try To Give Your Home A "Lived In" Look While Away

Burglars know when the peak vacation time is - and they can be pretty active breaking into homes right before school starts because they know families are trying to get that last vacation out of the way. Why not follow a few simple steps to make sure your home appears occupied?

You could always ask a trusted friend to house sit while you're away. If you have a security system, that is pretty solid protection.

Here are some tips that will make your home appear lived in while you're gone plus some common sense tips to use all the time:

  • Leave window blinds and draperies open because closing them is sometimes a sure sign of an empty house.
  • Either keep your car in the driveway or ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway at night.
  • Have your mail held at the post office until you return and make sure you put your newspaper on hold. Some newspapers will allow you to donate your subscriptions to students or other groups while you are away.
  • Set up to have your lawn moved and trashcans put out for the scheduled collection.
  • Put timers on lights and set them to match the family's usual schedule.
  • Make sure you have good locks on all doors and windows and use them!
  • Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you're away. It is a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
  • Never leave house keys hidden outside your home.
  • Don't announce your absence on answering machine messages.
  • Let your local police know your vacation plans. Patrol officers can periodically check your home.
  • Engrave your valuables as recommended in Operation I.D. This simple step will allow your stolen property to be identified and returned to you if recovered by the police.

Vehicle Traveling Safety

  • If you are driving, make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in good condition for the journey.
  • Try to have specific directions and routes to your destination.
  • If you get lost, call the local police for directions or assistance.
  • Always keep your vehicle doors and windows locked.
  • At stop lights and other traffic delays, leave enough space in front of your vehicle so you have an escape option in case of an emergency or attempted carjacking.
  • Let someone know the route you intend to travel and your itinerary. This will help authorities in locating you if thee is a need to do so.
  • Plan your trip carefully and allow for factors such as weather, fatigue, facilities for lodging, food and fuel. Be sure to have sufficient finances - either cash, travelers check or credit cards.
  • Ask your hotel or motel staff about their security measures so you know what to expect.
  • Use the hotel safe to store your valuables during your stay

Back to Safety Tips | Next Tip | Home