Your home can be a tempting target for criminals unless you take the proper steps to minimize potential issues.
1. Ask a Family Member or a Friend to Help
Having someone keep an eye on your home or better yet stay at your home will not only give you peace of mind but also keep your pets looked after, plants watered and your home busy enough to deter criminals from coming in.
If someone is keeping an eye on your place make sure they have a key so they can make sure that the mail is brought in, lights switched on and off and make it appear that your house is not vacant.
If you have more than one person visiting your house while you're away, then tell them about each other so there isn't any unfortunate and embarassing situations.
2. Don't Tip Off Criminals on the Web
In a world of twitter and facebook, announcing that you are going away is like an invitation to criminals to come to your home. Always be aware of what you post.
3. Curtains Closed -- or Open?
Before you leave for vacation, you may decide to close your curtains to prevent people from peering inside your home to see whether you're there. However, closed curtains also stop those who aim to help -- the police, your neighbors or friends -- from seeing inside your house. So what's your best bet? Leave your curtains exactly as you usually keep them when you're home, since noticeable changes could hint that you're not around anymore -- especially if your curtains are uncharacteristically left closed for two weeks. Move expensive items, like jewelry or cash, out of plain sight if they're visible from the window.
4. The Lights Are on But No One's Home
Nothing tells unsavoury characters that you are away than leaving your lights on day and night. you may think it helps but it is an open invitation and increases your electricity bill. Instead, purchase a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically according to a programmed schedule. Criminals keeping an eye on your house will notice lights flipping on and off, and will probably assume someone is doing the flipping.5. Put That in Your Pipe
A good rule of thumb is to turn your water off in your home if no one will be there. if you live in a cold region this could help prevent pipes from freezing. if you develop a leak under the kitchen sink or at your hot water heater, you will be glad the leak didn't happen with no one there to stop it.
6. Pull the PlugUnplug your television, computer, toaster oven and other appliances to protect them from power surges. Do this to save power as well. Remember, many appliances use power even when they're turned off.