Many families are getting ready for the holiday season and that can mean leaving their home to visit family elsewhere.
Whether you are planning to be gone overnight or for a few days, there are things you can do to make your home safer while you
are gone.
❄ Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to stop by periodically, even if they just pull into the drive. If it has snowed there will be fresh tracks in your driveway which will give the appearance of people being home.
❄ Don’t share your travel plans on social media sites. Criminals can use the Internet to find locations that are good targets.
❄ If you are going to be gone more than three days, consider letting your local
police department know. Some departments will even assign extra patrols to the area if you ask.
❄ Use light timers to turn on and off lights around your house on the same schedule you normally have. And leave curtains and shades in their typical daytime position.
❄ Place your mail and paper on hold or have a friend stop by each day to pick
them up.
❄ Unplug your TV, computer and other unused appliances to protect them from a power surge while you are gone.
