Going On Vacation?

Is your home safe?

In the hustle and bustle of getting ready to go on vacation we prepare for many things. But for many of us we forget about protecting our home while we travel. I have compiled a few tips about what to do about the place you will be leaving behind, your home. If you are able to do just a few of them there is a better likelihood your home will be just the way you left it.

One of the times your home is most vulnerable is when it is left empty for an extended period of time. Darkened windows, unretrieved mail or newspapers and closed windows in hotter weather all advertise your absence to a potential burglar.

The best protection for your home during your absence is to have a house sitter. A friend you trust staying at your house can take care of your pets and/or plants in addition to making sure the house is inhabited. Have a neighbor check on your home while you're away turning on lights, radios or TVs and opening and closing curtains will give your apartment the appearance that someone is home.

If you don't have a friend or neighbor to housesit or check your home while you're away -- perhaps even if you do - you should keep not only lights but also a TV or radio on a timer. If you're like me and have your TV on almost all the time you're home (NOTE: I don't watch it, it's just background noise while I work), the absence of the sound and that bluish light in the windows announces that you're not there (besides it keeps my pets company as well).

Make sure whoever is checking your home while you're away knows how to work your alarm system and who to call in case of a problem or emergency. Additionally be sure to leave contact numbers on how you can be reached as well. Unless you have a house sitter, stop your mail and any newspaper or other delivery. Nothing announces an empty home better than a stack of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox. Ask a nearby neighbor to pick up any packages delivered while you're gone.

If you have a garden or plants on your balcony like many apartment complexes do, make sure someone is watering the plants regularly or put the plants where they can't be seen. Plants slowly dying due to lack of water may announce your absence.
If you live in an apartment, check your lease. Many landlords require that you notify them if your apartment is going to be left empty for any period of time (this is so they can enter in case of emergency even if they can't reach you). If you've got a house sitter this normally isn't necessary.

Above is just some common sense tips, maybe they can help you jog you mind and you will think of a few others. There is nothing worse than coming home from a wonderful time on vacation to find that your home has been violated.

About the Author

Michael McBee is the owner of http://www.NonLethalDefense.com Self-Defense is not just about your personal security, it's also about everything around you.

Best Florida Beach Vacations
Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never more than 60 mil...

Vacation Packages From The Belize Jungle Dome
Following up from our new schedule of Adventure Day Trips in Belize the Belize Jungle Dome is pleased to announce its Schedule of Belize Vacation Packages for 2005Designed for Families, Groups and Individuals our Vacation Packages offer you the best in Belize Adventure Vacations taking in the Jungle and the Tropical Islands. This years pre-packaged All Inclusive Deals include :3 Day: Jungle Express Belize Zoo, Mayan Temple Exploration and Jungle Horse Back Riding 4 Day: Explorer Belize Zoo, River Cave Tubing, Jungle H...

Fishing Vacation 101
Universally, the term "gone fishing" is associated with vacations. In that case planning a fishing vacation should be nothing more then a natural choice. Fishing combines sport, relaxation, communing with nature and free food and hence qualifies as the perfect vacation. From a weekend trip to the closest lake front camping ground to an adventurous and long packaged tour to the best fishing locales of the world, one has plenty of choices that could be made. While planning a long fishing vacation, there are a couple of obvious choices to be made.First one being what type of fishing is most appealing. The most basic breakdown here is a choice between freshwater and saltwater fishing. Fishing vacations come in various sizes and forms. They can be started with loading your car ...

Free Adsense Websites

[%%KEYWORD%%] - Kauai - One Of Hawaii 's Best Kept Vacations Secrets
Kauai is indeed an island that can take your breath away even at a glance. The everyday hustles and bustles of life can drain every ounce of energy that we have. There are various concerns that desperately calls for our attention and time which can mess up our thinking

[%%KEYWORD%%] - The Best Age For A Disney Vacation
Grappling with the idea of taking the kids on a Disney vacation? Are you not sure if they are too young and will just be ove...

[%%KEYWORD%%] - Vacationing In A Gatlinburg Cabin
For many decades Gatlinburg has been a favorite resort getaway for both families and couples. Located in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg sits at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the foot of Mt. LeConte, Gatlinburg is only a short walk from streams, woods, and mountains. Cabins have a special tradition in Gatlinburg. The first cabin wa...

[%%KEYWORD%%] - What You Need To Know About - Camping Vacations
Camping is a delightful and adventurous way to spend your vacations. Camping basically means living in tents that are pitched on specific grounds. The b...

[%%KEYWORD%%] - With Vacation Rentals You Can Stay For A Long Time
Vacation rentals are an option when you plan to go on a vacation and stay for any length of time. For example, Florida has the basic strategy of finding what the vacationer needs, what they are looking for and with what budget and then fulfilling that need. In the process, as a visitor to this beautiful state, you will have a wonderful and interesting vacation at a price you can afford. Stay as long as you like. A vacation rental makes that possible. It has both moderate and luxury accommodations in all areas of the state can be found very easily.Vacation rentals can also be found with the owners. The owners are ...

[%%KEYWORD%%] - Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
Hospitable to all of our visitors, rental agencies on Hilton Head Island will take care of all your vacation needs, both foreseen and unanticipated. Renting an apartment, condo, villa or home is easy with the friendly assistance of more than one hundred agencies. Whatever is your chosen activity, nearby is a clean, affordable

[%%KEYWORD%%] - Enjoy Some Vacation Time At The Alabama Theatre In Myrtle Be
The Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach isn't named with the state of Alabama in mind, but rather with country group legends Alabama who started their career in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.When they'd had enough of the nomadic life, and wanted to set down more fixed roots, it was back to Myrtle Beach they returned and the Alabama Theatre My...

[%%KEYWORD%%] - Cancun Vacations Offer The Chance To Travel Mexico And Stay
Cancun vacations offer white sandy beaches, warm tropical sun and beautiful blue water. Some of the finest Mexico resorts can be found in Cancun. One of the great things about Cancun vacations is the short time it takes to get there to travel Mexico. Only a couple of hours flying time and you can be staying at one of many Mexico resorts offering you the chance to relax, tan and even travel Mexico.When you decide on one of several Cancun vacations you'll find t...

[%%KEYWORD%%] - Dare To Dream: The Vacation Of A Lifetime In A Timeshare
What are your chances of getting the vacation of a lifetime without having to save for a lifetime? Renting a timeshare may be the answer to your dream vacation without having to make a long-term commitment. Many individuals are willing to rent their allotted timeshare week to you. Because of an inconvenient date or some other pe...