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Make
Your Home Safe
While You're Away
Before you load up the car, van, camper, or RV, and
head for your much needed vacation, Hayden Insurance encourages you to
make sure everything is taken care of at home so that when you return,
it’s business as usual.
Most burglaries occur in July and August, and
residential burglaries account for two-thirds of all burglaries. The
standard thief is an opportunist who lives within 10 blocks of your home
and knows your schedule.
Making your home appear to have plenty of activity is
the best protection against any criminal activity. Since prime vacation
months are prime crime months, a little protection can go a long way.
Hayden Insurance Agency offers some basic home protection tips:
 | Find a home helper-a relative, friend or neighbor
who can come and go at your home on an unpredictable schedule.
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| Set up timers that will automatically activate
lights, televisions and radios.
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| Ask your home helper to park a car in your driveway
at various hours-overnight if possible.
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| Hide garbage cans in the garage. If your cans are
empty while all the neighbors’ cans are overflowing, it can be a
signal that residents are away. Similarly, ask neighbors to place a
few trash bags in front of your home for refuse collection time.
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| If you have a telephone answering machine, don’t
alter your message to indicate that you’re on vacation.
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| Arrange for someone to collect your mail,
newspapers and other deliveries. While some travelers believe it’s
best to place a hold on regular deliveries, the interruption of
normal daily activities may draw attention to the house.
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| Be cautious about letting strangers or casual
acquaintances know your travel plans.
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| Post a "beware of dog" sign or security
system decal in your window. Even if you don’t have pooch
protection or a security system, the appearance of one can be a
burglar deterrent.
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| Place small valuables in your bank safe deposit box
while you’re away.
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| Keep valuables hidden.
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| For added protection, install exterior lights that
leave no dark shadows for prowlers to hide outside your home.
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| For ultimate protection, install an electronic home
security system, but buyers beware. It isn’t for every family.
Some people aren’t able to get into the habit of using it, and
everyone in the family has to be able to do that. |
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This information is provided to you by Randall J. Hayden
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