8 Steps for Securing Your House over Spring Break

Spring Break is coming up and thieves and robbers can't wait.  Burglars use your time away to plot and scheme wasy to rob you blind.  If they are successful, you may end up turning in a home insurance claim and see your premium skyrocket.  Whether you’re going away for a week or weekend, here are some simple ways to secure your home and avoid wrecking your homeowners insurance rate:

1.       Get to know your neighbors. Let trusted people know you are leaving and ask them to keep an eye on your home.  Make sure they pick up your mail/newspaper, or stop those deliveries for the duration of your trip.  A pile of newspapers and an overstuffed mailbox is a dead giveaway that no one is home.

2.       REFRAIN from social media:  Don’t announce your travel plans on Twitter or Facebook.  If you can’t stop making vacation related updates, at least turn off the location notifications so people don’t know how far you are from home.

3.       Make your place LOOK OCCUPIED:  Set your outside lights so at least one stays on at night and put timers on your indoor lighting so they go on and off at random intervals.

4.       HIDE obvious temptations:  Do you have an amazing grill?  Lock it inside.  Can you see in your windows? Don’t leave something valuable near them.

5.       LOCK EVERYTHING:  A quality deadbolt lock is the first defense from an intruder entering your home, but it only works when it’s used.  Double check every door and window before you leave to be safe.

6.       DO NOT hide a spare key outside:  Criminals have more experience finding spare keys than you have hiding them. If you need to leave a key somewhere, leave it with a trusted neighbor.

7.       If a car is parked outside, DO NOT leave a garage door opener in it.  Should the house prove impregnable, this is the last option burglars exhaust before they chance breaking glass.

8.       Plant a home security sign in the front lawn:  Home security systems work exceptionally well but not everyone can afford the service.  Create a legitimate looking sign and place it in a visible, well-lit spot.  Burglars will think twice before robbing a protected home.

      

      Above all, enjoy your spring break.  We just hope this tips will help you rest easy while you're away taking a well deserved break.

d    Thanks for stopping by and checking out our blog.  For a free Insurance Quote, visit our website www.DolackInsurance.com or call us at 502-333-0577 for a free consultation.