Summertime tips for keeping your home safe so you can have worry-free fun.
1. Tell only those that need to know exactly when you’ll be away. Don’t post your vacation dates on Facebook. There have been cases of homes being broken into while people were away because others knew the homeowners were traveling because of their Facebook posts. Also, be careful what you leave as the greeting on your voicemail.
2. Make sure the whole house is locked up before you head out. Don’t forget to check windows, garage doors and basement windows.
3. Ask a trusted friend for help. Ask them to check on your home while you’re away and bring in your mail and newspapers. Give them a key to your home in case they need to get in for any reason.
4. Keep all your valuables and important documents in a safe deposit box. Also, consider keeping a photo inventory of all your belongings. This could prove useful in recovering your items if something were to happen to them.
5. Keep up appearances while you’re away. Use electrical timers to turn lights on and off in your home. Ask a trusted neighbor to park in your driveway giving your home a lived-in feel. Use an outdoor light with a motion sensor.
6. Turn off your electricity, gas and water to avoid potential flooding, gas leakage or fire. If you’re not going to turn off your electricity, at least unplug most of your electronics. This will protect them from power surges and save on electricity cost. Many electronics continue to use electricity even when powered off.
Have a safe and happy summer!
For more information, contact Phil Curran at 856.536.1317 or email at curran-phil@cooperhealth.edu
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