Home Security and Vacations

Planning a vacation can be a lot of fun. But, on the other hand, preparing for it can be a royal pain.  Here are some safety and security tips you can employ so you can enjoy your vacation with the peace of mind that you've done everything to keep the home front safe and sound while you're away.

Who to Notify:

• The Post Office.
•  The Newspaper delivery department.
• Tell the police the dates you will be away.
• A trusted neighbor.  They can return your trash can that you put out and/or pick up the newpaper(s) and mail that get delivered, in spite of your efforts.  If your neighbor can be trusted with a key, all the better.  They can check in and around the house while you're gone and take care of something you might have overlooked, like the bananas spoiling in the fruit bowl.  If you do give a neighbor a key, it's best to program a user code they can easily remember into your security system (1) and find out the password they would remember in case they accidentally set-off your alarm system.
• With the above in mind, notify your monitoring service the dates you will be gone and, if possible, how to contact you if there is an emergency.  Also give them the name of your neighbor who has your permission to enter your home and the password they will be using.
• Very, very important - do not broadcast the fact that you will away on twitter, facebook, etc., and in the same vein, don't put a message on your answering machine that you're on vacation.
• It's a good idea to get automatic timers for your lights that can be programmed to go on and off at prescribed times.  You can find them at Lowes or Home Depot.
• Don't hide house keys under the door mat, outside planter, etc.
• Make sure all jewelry and other such valuable are locked up.
• Turn off and unplug computers, televisions and other high-end electronics to protect against electrical surges from thunder storms. 
• Consume, give away or throw away any perishable food.  You will have enough to do when you return.  Deodorizing your home doesn't need to be on that list.
• Before walking out the door to begin your much needed vacation, do a walk-through your house to ensure all windows are latched, deadbolts are bolted and sliding doors/windows track locks are locked or holding bars in place.

Now, go have a great vacation!  You deserve it.

(1) If you can't locate your security panel user manual for your security panel, you can obtain a free copy on our web site: www.aegis-technology.com.

Scott Kimball is president/owner of Aegis Technology