Safeguarding your home for vacation
Safeguards for the Vacationing Homeowner
You have been looking forward to taking your “dream” vacation for many months. There are some simple steps you can take to protect your home while you are away, so your return doesn’t turn your dream into a nightmare.
According to the FBI, a burglary occurs every 14 seconds. Evidently burglars do not take vacations. Home break-ins peak in the popular vacation months of July and August and tend to occur in the day time when your neighbors are more likely to be away. Therefore, by taking a few proactive steps before you leave, your home will not become another statistic.
Alarm System
Make some noise!!!! Consider investing in an alarm system. Even a simple alarm (such as those which make a lot of noise) can scare a burglar away before he has a chance to enter your home. A Central Station type alarm (which ties directly into the local police or private vendor) may be your safest bet. With a sophisticated alarm system you may be able to save between 10-20% on your Homeowners insurance.
Blinds and Curtains
Leave blinds or curtains in their normal position. A change to a constant open or closed window dressing may be a signal of your absence.
Deliveries
Suspend your mail and newspapers or arrange to have them picked up every day by one of your neighbors.
Entrances
Lock all external doors and windows. You may want to also disengage electric garage door openers while you are away. Door locks should be adequate; a deadbolt with a 1-inch bolt is best. A strong, securely fitted outside door may be your first level of defense. Some dead bolt locks may qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance.
Telephones and Answering Machines
Have your calls forwarded to another number so burglars can’t verify that no one is home. Turn down the volume on both your telephone your answering machine, so they can’t be heard from the outside.
Landscape
Have your landscaping or snow removal services continue while you are away. Overgrown lawns and shrubs or unplowed driveways or walkways are red flags for burglars.
Lighting
Keep your home well lit. Use automatic timers on lights, radios and televisions to turn them on or off periodically throughout the day. Exterior lights should be mounted out of reach of burglars.
Valuables
Store your valuables in a secure location away from your home. Do not leave personal documents in your home office or desk. A safety deposit box is an inexpensive way to secure your valuables.
Computers
Turn all of your computers off. Never post the fact you are going on vacation on any social networking site. Avoid “away” messages on your personal email.
Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes in our country. Over 9 million people fall victim to it annually. Personal information on your computer or in your home can be used to steal your identity.
Taking the above simple steps may bring you the additional peace of mind you are seeking on vacation. So now that you are ready……enjoy your vacation!
Categories: Vacation Planning
Tags: Homeonwers Insurance
Really want assistance from expert in auto insurane. I'm aware a number people who submitted their specific information into one of the numerous "online auto insurance quotes" and after this they've already solicitors all-around them, e-mails, on their phone, junk mail and even one case of Social Security Identity theft. Therefore my real question is: Are these online auto insurance quotes really safe? Doesn't it make sense to remain with a local auto insurance agent that can be done business with both on the phone or perhaps in person.
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When you "request' a quote on line, your request (EMail) is sent to several agents and companies (including direct writers) who have essentially paid to receive leads from the web. That may be why you are receiving several emails.
From what I have seen over the last couple of years, most people who shop for auto insurance over the web are interested in the best price. That is not to say its not important, but the most important aspect of automobile insurance is the coverage. You want to make sure you, your family and your assets are protected in the event of an accident.An independent agent does this for a living and they typically have a real vested interest in giving you what you need.
To often I have seen quotes given over the internet which look good from a premium perspective, but when you look at the details, coverages have been reduced, stripped down, or eliminated.
I have always and will continue to use licensed ndependent agents for my home and auto insurance. It may cost you a few more dollars (not always) but having the :"right" coverage provides you with peace of mind.
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