Defending Your Castle While You're Away

Defending Your Castle While You're Away
While You Build Castles in the Sand

    According to WebMD a burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States. These statistics are astounding so it is of utmost importance to protect your home.  Intruders breaking into your home not only remove some of your precious belongings but it can also take more from you.  Your sense of security in your own home. Of course one of the most logical steps to take before your set off on your summer vacation is to make sure that all windows are securely locked.  Windows play an important role in your home's security.  Another step you can take to keep your home protected is installing window alarms and impact-resistant glass films or screens.  Also, make sure to remove any vegetation that can be used as cover for intruders around your windows.  Another helpful hint is to make sure that your house looks like there are still people at home. Arrange to have your lawn cut or snow removed from your walks if you're going to be gone for a long period. Instead of stopping your mail and newspaper delivery, ask a neighbor to pick them up and hold them for you. Seeing deliveries being made makes a burglar think someone is at home. Use automatic light timers throughout the house and have them turn on and off in a way that simulates your normal patterns. Look for light timers that have battery backup so the timer doesn't stop if there is a power failure. Using timers that have more than one on-off cycle can create the illusion of movement from room to room. Consumer Reports suggests making sure the areas around your windows are brightly lit.  I suggest using solar lights along walkways and even in the gardens by your trees as this is cost effective and can provide appropriate lighting!

Otherwise, enjoy your time away from home and take some steps to keep your home safe!