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Protection Tips for Travelers
When the long awaited vacation comes, travelers are busy
on planning the safety of their journey. However, only a few
are considering the safe haven of their properties. Unfortunately,
some vacationers will return home to find things are no longer
there.
A safe trip does need a safe return for relaxing. Home burglaries
are generally higher during peak travel months, especially
in the Spring. Nationally, a burglary happens every fifteen
seconds. Many home burglaries, however, could be prevented
by taking a few simple precautions.
How burglars get in a house? Most burglars enter a home through
a window. Remember to close and lock all windows and doors.
Garage door is especially important since 30% of home owners
never check about that. If you own a second car, it is wise
to park it halfway up the driveway to deter potential burglars
from pulling a vehicle close to the house. However, if a luxury
car is in danger of being stolen, you may not risk to do this,
except you have sort of anti-theft or security device.
The blinds and curtains may be put in a normal position so
that your house doesn't have a closed-down look. Another good
choice is to move expensive electronic equipment such as televisions,
stereos, computers, valuable collectibles, firearms, and other
attractive items away from windows or eye-catching spots.
Engraved property is less attractive to burglars. Positive
identification through engraving can also lead to a quicker
recovery of stolen items. Make arrangements for the safe storage
of your valuables. Set an automatic timer so interior lights
periodically turn on and off. A timer on a radio is also suggested.
Some people have the habbits putting keys underneath the doormats,
in flowerpots, or anywhere outside the house. The best suggestion
is DON'T when you are away for a vacation.
It is wise not broadcasting your trip regardless of how delighted
you are about the vacation. Ask a close neighbor or friend
to pick-up your daily delivery of mail. The good news is that
U.S. Postal Service may hold your mail and temporarily cancel
your newspaper subscription. In the mean time, ask a trusted
friend to inspect your house regularly and inform them of
who to contact in case of an emergency. Ask them to turn outdoor
lights on at night or put your lights on a timer. Whoever
is minding your house should also be given a key to your car
in case the vehicle needs to be moved during an emergency.
Also make them aware of anyone who may be visiting your home
while you are away such as yard maintenance workers. If traveling
for an extended period, arrange for lawn service, it is better
from a friend. It is important to keep shrubs trimmed around
doors and windows. Dob't give thief a convenient palce to
hide.
Make sure you paid your home owner insurance. If you are
traveling by air and departing from a local airport, don't
expose personal information on your luggage tags. If possible,
use your business address instead of home address or use tag
covers. If a thief reads the address on your luggage tags,
he may assume your home is an unoccupied and easy target.
Especially in today's wireless communication age, the thief
may activate his assistant for the stealing in minutes.
Finally, upon returning from your trip, if you notice the
front door ajar and its suspect that an uninvited guest has
broken into your home, go to the nearest phone and call for
police assistance. Have a nice trip.
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