Just someting I found up on the AAA Website that can be applied to Camoing also
Home
Protection Tips for Travelers
When spring comes around, many will be taking that
long-awaited vacation to "get away from it all." Unfortunately, some
vacationers will return home to find "it all" is no longer there.
Home burglaries are generally higher during peak travel
months. Nationally, a burglary happens every 13 seconds.
Many home burglaries, however, could be prevented by taking
a few simple precautions. AAA provides the following tips for any home owner
planning that well-deserved vacation:
- Many burglars
enter a house through a window. Remember to close and lock all house and
garage windows and doors. Slide locks are recommended for sliding glass
doors.
- If you own a
second car, lock and park it halfway up the driveway to deter potential burglars
from pulling a vehicle close to your house. However, if you live in an
area where car thefts are frequent, you must carefully consider this
option. AAA suggests that any vehicle parked outside and left unattended
for an extended period should be protected with some type of auto theft or
security device.
- Leave blinds
and curtains in their normal position so that your house doesn’t have a
closed-down look. Another helpful hint is to move expensive electronic
equipment such as televisions, stereos, computers, valuable collectibles,
firearms and other attractive items away from windows, where they are
within easy site.
- Engraved
property is less attractive to burglars. Positive identification through
engraving can also lead to a quicker recovery of stolen items.
- Don’t
broadcast your trip regardless of how delighted you are about the
vacation. Ask a close neighbor or friend to pick-up your daily delivery of
mail. If that is not an option, have the U.S. postal service hold your
mail and temporarily cancel your newspaper subscription.
- Ask a trusted
friend to inspect your house regularly and inform them of who to contact
in case of an emergency. Ask them to turn outdoor lights on at night or
put your lights on a timer. Whoever is minding your house should also be
given a key to your car in case the vehicle needs to be moved during an
emergency. Also, make them aware of anyone who may be visiting your home
while you are away such as yard maintenance workers.
- Set an
automatic timer so interior lights periodically turn on and off. A timer
on a radio is also suggested.
- Make
arrangements for the safe storage of your valuables.
- If traveling
for an extended period, arrange for lawn service. It’s important to keep
shrubbery trimmed around doors and windows. Don’t give a thief a
convenient place to hide.
- Never leave
spare keys "hidden" under doormats, in flowerpots, or anywhere
outside the house.
- Make certain
your home owner insurance policy is paid.
If you are traveling by air and departing from a local
airport, don’t expose personal information on your luggage tags. If possible,
use your business address instead of home address or use tag covers. If a thief
reads the address on your luggage tags, he may assume your home is an
unoccupied and thus easy target.
One final note. Upon returning from your trip, if you notice
the front door ajar and its suspect that an uninvited guest has broken into
your home, go to the nearest phone and call for police assistance.
AAA wants you, your home and your property to be safe while
vacationing. Paying attention to these simple precautions will help ensure your
return home is as enjoyable as your trip.
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