Protect your home from burglars during vacation season
If you’re still headed on a late-summer getaway, guard your home against intruders while you’re away on vacation with these tips from security company Protection One:
• Secure all windows, including those upstairs, and cut tree limbs away from second-story windows to eliminate easy access.
• Remove objects such as ladders or trash cans that could be used to reach a window or scale a fence.
• Don’t leave messages on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or other online sites letting people know you’ll be out of town.
• Turn your telephone ringer down so no one outside can hear repeated rings.
• Make sure your answer machine message doesn’t imply you’re away.
• Have your mail, newspaper and other deliveries stopped, or arrange for someone to pick them up.
• Never leave a key hidden outside. Burglars know all the best hiding places.
• Have a friend move your car occasionally if it’s parked in the driveway.
• Use timers to operate lights.
• If you have a security system, ask your alarm service about wireless backup or Web-enabled security in case your phone line fails or is tampered with. You can also receive alerts via your cell phone or another device.