Tips: Protect Your House For Summer Vacation

  • Jul 09, 2007

The Home Safety Council offers tips to prepare your house before leaving on summer vacation.

  • Put bright lights over porches and walkways in the front and back.
  • All doors to the outside should have working locks.
  • Garage and shed doors need working locks too.
  • All windows should have working locks.
  • Before you leave, walk through each room of your home to make sure all doors to the outside, sliding doors, and windows are securely locked.
  • If you have an automatic garage door, always, look over your shoulder before leaving the driveway to ensure the garage door has completely closed behind you.
  • Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed under windows so burglars can't hide in them.
  • Keep ladders stored in a locked shed or garage so they can't be used to climb into your home.
  • Keep shades or curtains closed over garage and shed windows.
  • Keep shades or curtains closed over your home windows after dark.
  • Don't leave toys, tools and equipment in the yard.
  • Make your home look like someone is there. Consider using timers to turn selected lights on and off automatically. Timers are also available for outdoor water sprinklers.
  • Do yard work before you leave.
  • Have a family member or friend bring in your mail and newspaper while you are gone. Give them a key to keep at their home; do not leave a key in a hiding place.
  • If you use an answering machine, do not record a message that indicates you are out of town.

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