Vacation House Check

Create the illusion that you’re at home by getting timers that will turn lights on and off. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.

Do not let your mail or newspapers pile up. Stop delivery or have a neighbor pick them up.

Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra key to a neighbor you can trust.

Install outside lights and keep them on at night.

Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery and cut back tree limbs from near your home.

Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.

Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt lock.

Sliding glass doors can be secured by putting a broomstick handle or a dowel in the inside track to jam the door.

Lock double-hung windows with key locks or pin windows by drilling a small hole into a 45-degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed.

Sliding windows can be secured by putting a dowel in the track.

When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.

All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.

Install a peephole in all entry doors. Door chains break easily and do not keep intruders out.