By Gregory Colvin

So, planning a trip?  Here are a few simple tips that will go a long way in keeping your home safe while you are away.  Are they guaranteed to keep anyone from breaking into your home while you are gone?  No, but it will greatly increase the odds in your favor.

First and foremost, information is knowledge. Information has value.  Information must be kept under lock and key.  Whether the information is about where you are at any moment.  Whether it is if your home is vacant or your daily schedule, it has value to someone. Keeping that in mind, I realize that you are excited about your trip and want to share all the information about your exotic destination. You can’t wait to brag to your friends about where you are going and what you are going to be doing. Most important  how long you are going to stay.  The temptation is to post it on Facebook or Twitter or the vast array of social sites out there.  Should that information fall into the wrong hands, the criminals now know your house is vacant and how long they have to burglarize your home.  It is best to wait until you get back and then brag to your heart’s content.

Next.  Want a large flag waving in front of your home with words “We Are Not Home!”?  Just don’t notify the newspaper delivery person and the flag is unfurled. Nothing says vacant home like having newspapers, packages or mail stacking up outside the house. Simply having a neighbor or friend come by and pick up the newspapers and flyers  will make it appear that things are normal at home, while you are sunning in the south of France.

Prior to leaving for the airport, walk through the house and double check to be sure that all the doors and windows are locked.  Intruders usually take the path of least resistance.  A home with unlocked door or window is preferable to a locked door.  They may leave your house alone and look for an easier target.

Light timers are inexpensive. Timers attached to interior and exterior lights give the appearance of an occupied dwelling.  By replicating the times that you are usually in the different rooms, it will give a appearance that someone is home.

Have a friend stop by the house to check it periodically.  While they are there, have them open closed blinds and curtains and close open ones so that it appears that someone in home.

If you are going to be away for an extended period of time you may want to consider having a friend stay at the house or hire a house sitter to stay in the house. Unless the house sitter is someone that you know personally, ask for references. Call the references, unless you want to return to your house and find it looking like a rock band stayed the weekend.

Many local police departments offer a vacation check. When I was a special deputy, that is a volunteer, with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department we would check homes for vacationers.  Check with your local department and see if they offer that service.

Set up a system with the neighbors where they watch your house when you are gone and you watch theirs when they are gone. Let them know when you expect to return and your contact numbers in case there is an emergency.  If you are having a friend stop by to check on the house, be sure to tell the neighbors who they are and what kind of car they are driving, so they don’t call the police.

Unplug any unnecessary appliances like computers, televisions and radios. It is good for the environment and good for your energy bill.

If possible, mow the lawn before leaving or arrange to have someone mow it if you are away for an extended time.

In the winter have someone shovel the sidewalks and driveway. If you are lazy and don’t shovel your driveway and sidewalk when you’re home at least have someone walk up and down the driveway and sidewalk several times.  Just plan ahead.

The best place for valuables is in a safe or safe deposit box at the bank.  There are book safes that are hollow and can be hidden on a bookshelf and I have a lot of bookshelves.

This is a tip that I just came across recently.  I don’t own a GPS, but if you do, it is not a good idea to input your home address into the GPS.  If your car is stolen from the parking lot at the airport, all the criminal has to do is hit the home button and they have your address and the traitor GPS will lead them straight to your house.  And if the garage door opener is in the vehicle, they have your home’s contents gift wrapped.

Check all home insurance policies are up-to-date.  Nothing like having a storm come through and drop a limb on the house or someone breaks into the house and find out that you are not covered.

Have a great trip and by heeding these suggestion, you will one less thing to worry about.

Remember: Your Safety Is Up To You!

Gregory Colvin is a former police officer and author who has noticed how few people observe their surroundings.    He writes personal security and safety articles on the web.