Keeping your home safe while you’re on vacation

Planning a spring-time or summer getaway? Whether your destination is Disneyland or a secluded spot in the Rockies, there are some things you can do to keep your home safe while you’re away.

Don’t worry, none of them involve hiring a security guard or setting up booby traps of “Home Alone” proportions. Instead, these simple tips from the Insurance Information Institute will help make sure your home remains safe and sound without you in it.

Make a break-in time consuming: Dead-bolt your doors and stick wooden dowels in your windows to slow burglars down.

Make a break-in noisy: Invest in a burglar alarm. The most effective systems ring at an outside service, which alerts police, fire and other emergency personnel.

Keep valuables out of sight: Don’t give would-be crooks a reason to break into your home. Keep cash, jewelry and other valuables out of sight. Consider investing in a safe for your valuables that is bolted to the floor or wall.

Keep your home well lit: Mount exterior lights out of reach of would-be burglars in your yard or on your house. Put indoor lights on a timer so that they go on and off at appropriate times, making it look as if the house is occupied.

Arrange to have mail picked up or held by the post office: Stop newspaper deliveries or have a neighbor pick up your newspaper and mail daily. Have a trusted friend or neighbor stop by periodically to check on your home.

If you’d like to read a bit more, here’s the tip sheet from the Insurance Information Institute.