DANA POINT : Volunteers to Check Vacationers’ Homes

Volunteers will provide free home checks this summer for vacationing residents.

Residents who will be away from home should call City Hall or the Orange County sheriff’s substation in Laguna Niguel at least one week before their vacation.

The service is provided by senior citizen volunteers, working for the Sheriff’s Department through the Volunteer Interest Program for Seniors.

At least two uniformed volunteers will provide a physical check of homes Monday through Friday, during daylight hours, to make sure no windows or doors are left open.

The volunteers are not armed and will not take any official action other than notifying sheriff’s deputies if they notice anything suspicious.

When calling for the home check service, the following information is needed:

* Name, address, cross street and what dates the home checks are needed.

* A name of a contact person in case of emergency, including the contact’s address, city, phone number and relationship to the homeowner. Also note whether the contact has a key to the home.

* Any other pertinent information, such as if and when a gardener, pet sitter or any other person who has regular access to the house is likely to be there.

For information about the home check service, call Yomar Clear at Dana Point City Hall at (714) 248-3517.

The sheriff’s substation can be reached at (714) 249-5200.