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Are
you going to be away from home for a couple of days, weeks, or
longer? As obvious as it sounds, the first order of business to
protect your home is closing and locking all the doors and
windows before you leave. This includes the garage door. And it
may sound cliché, but you should also double-check that the
stove is "off," the faucets aren't dripping, the iron
isn't plugged in, etc. While we almost always take care of these
things instinctively, it pays big "peace of mind"
dividends to consciously double-check everything before leaving
for any length of time. There is no more nagging a feeling than
being hundreds of miles away and wondering if you forgot to do
something before leaving. Check twice before leaving, then relax
the whole time you are away.
For extended absences, or if you are leaving a pet that requires
feeding, it is recommended that you leave a key with a neighbor
you can trust. Your neighbor will keep an eye out for your home
and can contact you and the proper authorities if an emergency
arises.
If you do not make arrangements for the post office to hold your
mail, have a trustworthy neighbor pick it up for you daily.
Apartment house tenants should also heed this advice since
stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.
Leave the residence with a "lived-in" appearance, and
NEVER leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is
unoccupied. For added security, use a home surveillance system,
connected to a digital recorder, to record all activity in and
around your home.
Use timers on your lights to give the impression that your home
is occupied. You can do the same with a radio to provide the
sounds of an occupied home.
Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an
unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in any other obvious
places.
For longer absences, discontinue mail, newspaper, and other
deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave
notes.
Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising
circulars and other debris regularly.
When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars
specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's
vacation activities.
Upon your return, if you find that a door or window has been
forced or broken, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be
inside. Use a cell phone or a neighbor's phone and call the
police immediately.
Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred.
Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO - 1. Lock before you leave. 2. Trust a
neighbor with a key. 3. Be a caring and concerned neighbor to
others.
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