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Going on vacation?  |   Insurance Fraud

Home & Property - Going on vacation?

You've decided to take a well - deserved break, for a few days or perhaps a few weeks. Here are some simple rules that will help protect your home against theft and fire and that will allow you to get away - and return home - with peace of mind!

To prevent theft while you're away

• Make your home look lived in. Ask a neighbor to collect the mail and newspapers, keep the sidewalk and driveway clear, and even have him park his car there.
• Inspect the premises the night before you leave. Put away bicycles and gardening or snow removal equipment, and lock your shed. Bring inside anything that could give burglars a leg up, such as ladders and trash cans. Closely trim trees and shrubs so your house can be seen.
• Timers are effective and inexpensive theft prevention devices, especially multiple timers on a random setting. Timers make your home look lived in, tricking burglars when a lamp or radio suddenly comes on.
• Consider other prevention systems such as outdoor motion detectors or an alarm system.
• Leave your car in the garage when loading your luggage to prevent undesirables from knowing you're leaving.

Before you leave, even for a few minutes!

• Leave the radio on, preferably tuned to a station that broadcasts call-in shows—perfect for giving the impression that someone is home.
• Turn off lights in the morning and turn them on at night. Open curtains in the morning and close them at night.
• Take care to close all doors and windows, even if you plan to be gone only five minutes

And to prevent fire...

• Remove all combustible and flammable materials from the basement and attic. Flammable materials like thinners, gasoline, paint, and industrial cleaners should be properly stored in an approved container and placed in a ventilated location far from any ignition source.
• Never store propane inside.
• Don't tempt arsonists by leaving solvents and combustibles in plain view!
• To prevent lightning from causing a fire, make sure telephone wires, television cables, and other outdoor devices are grounded. If your home is built on an elevated or exposed site, have a lightning rod installed.
• Unplug TV sets. Some become excessively hot, which can be dangerous if they are located inside a cabinet or directly under a curtain. Lightning can also cause a power surge.
• In winter, have someone you trust visit your home daily to make sure the heating is working properly. Inspect your thermostats; they may become stuck in "off" or "on" position.
• Never leave Christmas trees or wreath lights on and unattended.