Even when you go on vacation, your home does not.  And while it's sitting unattended, you may find your house a target for burglaries.  To help keep your home safe, take these safety precautions recommended by a travel writer.

 

In the frenzied weeks before any trip, it's easy to become preoccupied with buying new clothes and sorting through old ones, packing and distributing itineraries to family and friends.   In the excitement to get where we are going, we may forget to make necessary arrangements at the place we leave behind- home!

 

Household chores and security measures continue whether you are going away for a long weekend or for months.  The lawn must be mowed, the newspaper deliveries stopped....   So be sure to make provisions for items that need attention while you are away.  Here are a few suggestions: 

 

* If you plan to be gone for more than a few days, stop all deliveries ( a pyramid of newspapers on the porch is a sure sign that no one is at home).  Ask a neighbor to collect flyers or leaflets that may be left on your door.

 

* Have the postal service hold your mail until you return.  Simply complete a "vacation hold request".  If your getaway is brief, you might ask a neighbor to to collect your mail.

 

* Be sure all windows and doors are locked.

 

* If your trip is long enough to warrant it, arrange to have the lawn watered and mowed.

 

* Any appliance not in use should be turned off- stove burners, gas heaters, water faucets (indoor and outdoor).  Electric utilities advise unplugging appliances as a safeguard against them being zapped by lightning surges.  Utilities may also provide resourceful "empty home" tips for conserving energy and saving money as well as some safety precautions.

 

* Leave a copy of your itinerary, including phone numbers, with family and neighbors so you may be reached in case of an emergency.

 

* If you don't have a trustworthy house-sitter to tend to your pet, plants and home, make appropriate provisions and leave a house key with a relative or neighbor who can make periodic inspections and handle timely chores.

 

* Inexpensive automatic timers are available and can be set to turn on and off a lamp or two, or a radio, to discourage intruders by suggesting that someone is home.

 

* If you keep jewelry, cash and other valuables in your home, you are courting disaster, particularly if your home is unattended.  Before you leave on a trip, stash all of these goodies in a more secure place- such as a safe-deposit box.

 

* Take a moment  to think about any financial obligations that may need attention while you are out of town- rent, mortgage, car payments, insurance premiums, utility bills.  Prepare the checks in advance and have someone responsible mail your bills on the prescribed dates.

 

* Don't discuss the details of your trip (departure date, length of stay) in the presence of strangers or you may be extending an invitation to a burglar.

 

* Finally, try not to leave any odious chores awaiting you on your return- images of a cluttered garage that needs to be cleaned tend to go on the trip with you.

 

The staff of All About Cruises, Inc. Wishes you a very happy and safe cruise.....