Away from Home

Protect your home and property against fire, theft and damage even in your absence by following these simple tips:

Before You Leave

• Tell a trusted neighbor when you are leaving and when you'll return.
• Leave a travel itinerary with a friend or colleague.
• Arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspaper and parcels or have the post office hold delivery until you return.
• Set timers and lights.
• Clean out refrigerators.
• Unplug nonessential electrical appliances.
• Leave your answering machine on.
• Close curtains.
• Lock doors and windows.
• Set fire and burglar alarms.

While You're Traveling

• Carry expensive items with you on board planes, ships or trains.
• Lock expensive jewelry in a hotel or ship safe.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Do not wear or carry valuables at the pool or on the beach.

During a Winter Vacation

• Set thermostat at 60° F and have the house inspected at least every other day in case of furnace malfunction.
• Make sure there is enough oil in the storage tank to heat the home while you are away.
• Leave the doors of bathroom vanities and the kitchen cabinet for the sink open. This will allow more heat to get to the plumbing.

Other Considerations

• Cut shrubs below window level and trim trees away from your house.
• Obscured doors and windows are targets for forcible entry.
• Arrange for someone to check your house periodically.