Home Security: Prepare Your Home before Leaving Home

Tips from the Home Safety Council

Leaving soon for a vacation? Don't advertise your empty house as a welcome target for thieves; instead, take steps to enhance safety and security. The Home Safety Council is committed to helping families advance home security. Prepare before leaving home, and take note of the following security tips:

Turn Up the Lights

· Put bright lights over porches and walkways in the front and back.

Lock It Up

· All doors to the outside should have working locks.

· Garage and shed doors need working locks too.

· All windows should have working locks.

· Keep all doors to the outside, sliding doors, and windows locked.

Be Able to Get Out

· Make sure everyone can open all locks from inside your home.

· Don't have deadbolt locks that lock with an inside key. You need to get our fast if a fire starts. A missing key could trap you inside.

· Replace inside-key locks with deadbolt locks that have a "thumb turn" instead of an indoor key.

· Have window locks that open from inside. Do not nail windows shut. Make sure they open easily.

· If you have security bars on doors and windows, have a "quick-release" latch. This makes it easy to get outside in an emergency.

· Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use the latch.

Don't Help Intruders

· Keep brushes and shrubs trimmed under windows so burglars can't hide.

· Keep ladders stored in a locked shed or garage so they can't be used to climb into your home.

· Keep shades or curtains closed over garage and shed windows.

· Keep shades or curtains closed over your home windows after dark.

· Don't leave toys, tools and equipment in the yard.

When You're Gone A Few Days

· Make your home look like someone is there.

· Do yard work before you leave.

· Have a family member or friend bring in your mail and newspaper while you are gone.

The suggestions above require extra time, thought and effort, but will provide additional peace of mind. Employ the guidelines of the Home Safety Council, and rest easy while away from home.

 For more information visit the Home Safety Council.