Skip to main content

IS YOUR HOME SAFE WHEN YOU GO ON VACATION

or many people, summer means vacation and a vacation can mean leaving your home for a longer period of time than usual.
Many people who go on vacation wonder if their house will be safe while they are away. When you go on vacation, the last thing you want is a phone call telling you that your house was robbed- or even worse- coming back from vacation and discovering damage and loss. Here are some tips for securing your home.
  • Before you leave, check every door and window to make sure that everything is locked and sealed, including your garage door, shed, and basement windows. Also, make sure that you have no spare keys lying around that are "hidden" under a mat or under a rock. Burglars know where to look and a key gives them easy access. If you have a sliding window or door, put a piece of wood or a long metal rod on the track so that it can't be pushed open.
  • Set timers on lights outside of your house. The darker it is outside your house, the more appealing it is going to be for burglars because they cannot be seen. Also, timers help give the impression that someone is home.
  • Make sure that your newspapers and mail are picked up or put on hold. If papers and mail are piled up outside your house, it is obvious that someone has not been home for a while.
  • Leave some blinds or drapes open. If your house is completely closed off, it is going to look like no one is there. If you make it appear more normal, it is less obvious that you are away.
  • Arrange to have a trusted family member, neighbour or friend to check on your home. Even if it means having them going into the house to water the plants, they can take a peek around to make sure that everything is okay.
  • Going on a vacation is an excellent reminder to ensure you have an updated inventory of household goods which may include appliances, jewellery, firearms, and other valued items.
  • If you have any cash, jewellery, or any other valuables in your home, take them out and put them in a safety deposit box. It costs money for this service, but it is far better than if someone were to break into your home and find your valuables.
  • If you are a firearms owner, please ensure you secure and store all firearms in accordance with the Firearms Act and Regulations.
  • Set timers on electronics inside your house. Put one on a lamp or even a radio. If someone is watching your home and sees that there is no activity going on inside your house, it is a clear indicator that you are not home.
  • Make sure that your home security system is on. Don't forget to tell your friend or family member the code so that they do not set off the alarm when they check on your home.  
A vacation is supposed to be a relaxing time. There is no reason why you should have to spend time worrying about the safety of your home, as long as you make sure to take the necessary precautions.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Suspected herdsmen kill SSS officer, soldier in Benue ambush

Suspected herdsmen have struck again in central Nigerian state of Benue, killing at least one State Security Service (SSS) personnel while abducting two others, multiple security sources familiar with the incident have told PREMIUM TIMES. At least one soldier was also killed in the attack in the restive Logo Local Government Area on Sunday, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. Another soldier was also feared kidnapped. “We confirmed one SSS officer killed, two of them were abducted,” a security source said. “We are currently searching for them.” The Defence Headquarters confirmed the killing and abduction of soldiers in a statement on Monday evening, but the SSS has yet to speak on its losses. The SSS officers were embedded with a contingent of troops as part of a new push to drive away the killer herdsmen who have been on killing spree in Benue and other states across the north-central in recent months. Hundreds of Nigerians are estimated to have been killed in deadly attac...

Let's Fight Corruption Together, EFCC Charges Lawyers

                                            Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has charged lawyers across the country to join hands with the EFCC in the fight against corruption. “The anti-corruption crusade needs your unalloyed support,” he said. Magu gave the charge while receiving Osaretin Airhinenbuwa and Charles Omo Aideyan, Chairman and Secretary of the EFCC/Bar Relations Committee of the Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, respectively, on January 18, 2019. Speaking through Mailafia Yakubu, Head, Benin Zonal Office of the Commission, Magu called on them not to allow themselves to be used by politicians.                                                         “One...

PHOTOS:U.S. Marshals find 39 missing children during sex trafficking bust in Georgia; arrest 9 suspects

  The U.S. Marshals Service found 39 missing children in Georgia following a two-week rescue mission known as "Operation Not Forgotten."    The agency announced in a press release on Thursday, August 27, that the operation led to the rescue of 26 children and the safe location of 13 others. Nine suspects have also been arrested.      "These missing children were considered to be some of the most at-risk and challenging recovery cases in the area, based on indications of high-risk factors such as victimization of child sex trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and medical or mental health conditions," the press release reads.    "Other children were located at the request of law enforcement to ensure their wellbeing," the release continues. "USMS investigators were able to confirm each child's location in person and assure their safety and welfare."      Nine criminal associates were also arrested and investi...