Sunday, December 6, 2009

Keep Your Home Safe During Your Holiday Travels

By Pierre Levingston

The holiday season is anticipated all year round. It's never fun to think of crime happening during the holidays, but unfortunately crimes do happen more during this time than other times of the year. Here are some helpful tips to remember during the holidays.

Be careful whom you share your holiday traveling plans with. Although it may be tempting to share your upcoming visit with your son's family in Alaska when your cashier asks you about your holiday plans at the checkout counter, its best to leave traveling plans out of it. You never know who will overhear you and use it against you.

Don't place spare keys in well-known places. If you have placed it under the welcome rug or a hide-a-rock on the front step then you should re-think your hiding place. If you can easily find it then so would a perfect stranger.

Be careful of your answering machine messages. You don't want to leave a message saying you will be away for the holidays. If you would like to leave a festive message wishing the caller a happy holiday you can do so, just leave the traveling plans off of it.

Alert your alarm company of your holiday plans. Let them know how long you will be gone and your expected day of return. Give them emergency contact information and a way to get a hold of you in case of an emergency.

Stay away from advertising for a house sitter publicly. Classifieds are easy targets for crooks. If you can't find a family member or friend to house sit for you, contact a house sitting company.

When your house sitter is chosen keep them up to date with all information they may need. Let them know your travel arrangements and who may be stopping by during their stay. Give them pictures so they can get familiar with family members, gardening crews, or neighbors that were asked to come by.

It's also important to not forget to do the small details with keeping your home look lived in. Make arrangements for your papers and mail to be picked up, and your lawn mowed. Keep your Christmas lights on a timer so they continue to go off while you are gone.

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