Protect your home while on vacation
From Anita Alvarez
Cook County State’s Attorney
Summer is in full swing and in between trips to the pool, beach and summer camps, many are planning their summer getaways. After finalizing those travel plans and packing your bags, don’t forget to take a few steps to safeguard your home while you are away:
- Tell a trusted neighbor, friend or family member who lives close that you will be gone. Ask them to bring in your mail, pick up any newspapers you have delivered and to keep an eye on your house. Make sure they have your cell phone number (or another number where you can be reached) in case there is an emergency.
- Make sure you mow your yard before leaving to prevent it from getting overgrown. If you will be gone for an extended period, ask a friend or hire a neighborhood teen to mow your lawn while you’re gone.
- Put automatic timers on several lights in your house – preferably in rooms you normally occupy. Just leaving a light on continually can indicate no one is there to turn it off.
- Contact your local police department and ask if they have a ‘vacation house check’ program you can sign up for.
- Before leaving, do a complete walk through of your house, making sure all windows and doors are locked. Be sure to include the basement and garage in the walk through.
Finally, while it is fun to share photos from your trip, resist the urge to update your status, blog or tweet about your trip as it is happening. You never know who might see it and take advantage of the fact you are away. Save the pictures and stories for when you return home-enjoy the family time and the vacation location while you are there.
Have a fun and safe summer!
Anita Alvarez
Cook County State’s Attorney
