It's that time of year...vacation time! We all look forward to leaving behind the hustle and bustle of work and household chores, and heading out to explore new places or revisit old favorites. But nothing can spoil the trip like returning to a home torn apart by someone who was watching and waiting to steal your belongings and your sense of security. A little preparation could go a long way in this area, and give you some peace of mind.
In many areas, the days of neighbors naturally watching out for each other are gone. If this is true in your case, it's a good idea to alert nearby friends or family that you will be away from home. As they pass by, they can at least keep an eye out for anything strange. Consider motion detector lights around your exterior.
Another piece of tried and true advice is to ensure that your mail or other deliveries do not pile up when you're gone for an extended period of time. You can go online to request a hold on your mail, and if you are awaiting a delivery from FedEx or UPS, they will also delay delivery. Think about other obvious signs of your absence such as growing grass and make arrangements to take care of business while you're gone.
Find out what's happening in Creve Coeurwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Slow down on your social media. We love Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and all the other wonderful ways to stay connected. However, unless you have a very carefully selected friends list, you probably don't know enough about a few of your people (think ex-boyfriends cousin or 5th grade classmate) to trust them with the information that your home is empty. If you just can't wait to post those pictures with Mickey Mouse, consider using a more private setting or thanking your house sitter in the post.
Go high tech. Lights on a timer give the illusion that people are home. Alarm systems are great for peace of mind whether you are home or away. Just remember to give out the right codes to those friends stopping by to water the plants or collect the mail.
Find out what's happening in Creve Coeurwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Just in case you want to go really high tech, we found a few more gadgets and apps, including one that will allow you to use old smart phones as security cameras.
We hope these measures provide a bit of safety for your home. Now, it's time to pack up the car, slather on the sunscreen, and head out! Relax and enjoy a well-deserved break!