Safeguard Your Home When You Leave Town

Whether you’re loading your skis and heading for the slopes or leaving for Hawaii loaded with lotions, there are some things you should know before you go.

Not long ago, when we left for a vacation, all we needed to remember was to lock the door and unplug the iron.

Now the house is full of electrical appliances, and the outside world is teeming with dangers.

According to George Weinstock, president of American Home Security, one of the most important deterrents to burglars is leaving your home with the “at-home, lived-in look.”

Weinstock advises vacationers to discontinue the delivery of mail, newspapers, milk and any such regular services. Plan ahead so that your purchases arrive before your departure. Even one package sitting at your door is a great signal to a burglar.

Arrange with a neighbor to pick up advertising doorknob hangers and junk mail.

Do not take trash out to the curb for pickup. Pay someone to service the yard while you’re gone.

The key hidden under the mat or behind the flowerpot should be removed--only a thief would use it when you are not home.

It’s a good idea, Weinstock says, to leave your car or a neighbor’s car, if possible, in your driveway on a random schedule. That helps give the impression that someone is coming and going.

Weinstock further advises the use of an answering service for your telephone. Thieves do use the phone to determine whether the house is vacant. If you have an answering machine, do not leave a message saying you are away on vacation.

Make use of automatic light timers, which are readily available at hardware stores. Arrange the “on” and “off” times logically and differently for different lights.

Unplug the TV sets and air conditioners in case there is an electrical problem.

Be sure to have identification tags on your pets, even if they are not being kenneled. There’s always a chance they may get out. If you leave them at home and have them cared for, it’s a good idea to get door stickers (send $1 with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Friends of Animals, 1 Pine St., Neptune, N.J. 07753) indicating to the fire department that there are pets inside.

Of course, window locks and dead-bolt doors are necessities. Don’t overlook the pet doors, some of which can provide ready access to humans. Security-wise specialists advise you to walk around inside and outside thinking: “If I were a burglar, how would I get in?”

Before you leave, do a final walk-through checking everything--stove burners, faucets (turn off the faucets on the washing machine in case a hose breaks) and check pilot lights on all gas appliances.

It’s a good idea to take photos of your luggage, because that’s an efficient and quick way to identify it should it be misplaced by the airline.

If you take magazines from home to read on the plane and intend to leave them when you’re finished, remove the mailing labels--they have your home address on them.

When you’re asked for a phone number on a credit card charge, give your work number. Vendors can reach you there.

Have all your photographic and sports equipment marked with your name or Social Security number.

Keep a master list of all your credit cards. Don’t keep your fire insurance policy at home. Keep that and a complete inventory of your valuable property in a safe-deposit box.

If you have an electrical security system, be sure to check it in advance of your departure and advise the company, along with the local police, of your vacation plans.

Once you arrive at your destination, don’t think your security-related efforts are over.

It is recommended that you keep your room key next to your bed. In case of emergency, you may need it to exit or re-enter your room quickly.

Take a small flashlight with you. It’s a great comfort and practical in any emergency.

Use the hotel safe--there’s no better way to protect your valuables.

Be careful who you ask to take your picture. Some reported they never saw the camera again!

If you are traveling in crowds, be alert to any bumping. It’s possible a thief is distracting you in an attempt to take your purse or wallet.

For many reasons, it’s a good idea to travel light--leave the flashy jewelry and gold chains at home. Gold is a “hot” item, because it can be so quickly melted down and resold.

It’s amazing how many people feel they are safe because they think they have nothing worth stealing. They don’t equate themselves with national statistics that show a burglary occurs every nine seconds.

Just being prepared and cautious can add the magic ingredient to a perfect, unmarred vacation.