Protecting your home during Vacation

If you are away from your home for an extended period of time, remember these security tips before you leave.

• Be careful who you tell when you plan to be away from your home. However, alert your neighbors to watch your home.
  
  
• Maintain your lawn before you leave or have someone mow your lawn while you are gone.Do not let deliveries accumulate.
  
  
• Have a neighbor pick up mail, newspapers and packages daily. If that is not possible, then stop deliveries so they do not pile up.
  
  
• Ask a neighbor to use your garbage cans. An empty garbage can is a tip-off that you are away.
  
  
• Leave your car in the driveway. This gives the appearance of an occupied house, and prevents burglars from backing up a van for loading.
  
  
• Don't leave keys under your doormat, flower pot or window ledge—intruders check these first.
  
  
• Use timers for lights, televisions and sound systems to turn them on and off at different times to give your home a lived-in look while you are away.