Protecting your home while on vacation

You've booked your trip and packed your suitcase, but before you depart, take the time to vacation proof your home. June, July and August are popular vacation months, and unfortunately, home burglaries rise during these summer months.

Whether you take a weekend getaway or a longer trip, 考虑采取额外的安全和家庭保护措施. 去度假之前看看下面的清单吧.

Inside the house

• Install or set timers on interior lights. 给人留下有人在家的印象会有所帮助 deterring burglars, who often look for crimes of opportunity.
• Protect against power surges. You never know when a power surge may occur, so it's good to be prepared. Consider unplugging the coffee maker, computer, TV, stereo and other electronics, 或者看看它们是否安全地插入电涌保护器.
• Test the smoke alarms. See that all alarms are in working order and replace any batteries.
• Don't make or socialize status updates. Try not to broadcast your vacation plans or location on social media. 即使你认为只有你的朋友或同事在看你的网上资料, it's safest not to leave any sort of opening for a possible burglar.
• Alert the alarm company. If you have an automatic security system in place, 你可能想打电话给你的代表，让他们知道你要离开家一段时间. Check that the alarm is set properly when you leave. You might also consider using remote monitoring with your smartphone or a video doorbell for some added protection.
• Secure your valuables. 如果你还没有把你的珠宝或其他贵重物品放在安全的地方，比如 home safe, now might be the time to do so. 如果你把贵重物品放在显眼的地方，窃贼可能会从窗户看到它们.
• Set the HVAC. 设置一个可编程的恒温器来降低暖气或空调的使用量，并记得更换恒温器的电池.
• Protect your pipes. 检查阁楼、地下室、爬行空间等脆弱区域的管道是否绝缘. 在异常寒冷的天气里，考虑把恒温器调到华氏55度或更高. 让邻居或朋友过来看看房子，并定期打开水龙头，以帮助确保清洁 pipes don't freeze.
• Check doors and windows. Before you leave your home, see that all windows and doors are locked.
• Consider a house sitter. 如果你可以选择，在你不在的时候，一个家庭保姆可以帮助照看你的家. 如果你有需要照看的宠物，这也会派上用场.

Outside the house

• Arrange for lawn care. 考虑一下让一个友好的邻居或当地的服务机构来照料你的景观. 
• Prune any risky branches. Before you leave, trim any tree branches 这可能会让攀爬的窃贼接近，或者在暴风雨中造成破坏.
• Stop newspapers and mail. Consider requesting a USPS Hold Mail service 为你的邮件和报纸送货，或者让邻居定期来取. Again, 你不会想要通过你门阶上堆积的报纸轻易地让窃贼发现你不在吧.
• Park a vehicle in the driveway. 在车道上多放一辆车，或者让邻居把车停好，可能有助于阻止潜在的窃贼.
• Put away potential wind-borne objects. If you live in a region that experiences severe weather，你可能想要固定的东西，如庭院家具，烤架或垃圾桶.
• Check your exterior lighting. 利用运动传感器探测灯或安装或设置定时器在室外安全灯.
• Don't leave spare keys outdoors. 从你家外面收集所有隐藏的备用钥匙. 记住，许多窃贼都知道一些常见的藏身之处，比如垫子下面和盆栽里.
• Lock the garage and any fencing. 即使没有从车库或围栏进入你的房子的入口, there's still a chance for things to be stolen. Secure all doors and any entrances.

Make sure you have the appropriate amount of home insurance for your needs, and contact an agent if you have any questions.