-
Notify neighbors before you leave and
provide an emergency phone number. This is especially important!
-
Have a trusted neighbor pick up the
mail and newspaper. If possible, do not have either stopped. That gives
information about you being away from home to others whom you do not know.
-
Transfer valuables and cash to a safe
deposit box.
-
Place radios and lights on timers
throughout the house to give it a "lived-in" look.
-
Turn down the volume on your telephone
and answering machine so they cannot be heard outside. Or if possible, have
your telephone calls forwarded while you are away from home. Burglars
sometimes check to see if someone is home by making a telephone call.
-
Arrange to have a neighbor or friend
mow the grass or shovel snow.
-
If you are away from home on garbage
pickup day, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to put your garbage cans out
to the street and take them back in. You may wish to have your neighbor use
your garbage cans while you are out. Burglars sometimes check for empty
cans as a sign the family is away.
-
Close your blinds or curtains enough to
prevent a direct view into your home.
-
Shut off the main water valve and drain
the pipes. Be sure to turn off the gas to the water heater as well.
-
Always park your cars in the
garage with the garage door shut. Closing the garage door and having
curtains or blinds on the garage windows also hides some of your
belongings.
-
Do not hide spare keys outside your
home, instead give one to a trusted neighbor.