Now that vaccines are readily available and the Covid numbers are declining, a lot of us are planning vacations!  It will feel great to get away for a break.  Brushing up on home safety tips to deter burglars will help you vacation with peace of mind. Here are some things you can do to your house before leaving:

• Take a walk around your property, can you see any valuables from a distance?  Expensive electronics, jewelry or artwork? Put them away.
• Check for overgrown bushes near your house, these are good places for burglars to hide
• Check the locks on all doors and windows
• Lock your door from your garage to your house
• Secure sliding glass doors with a door stopper, like a metal rod or piece of wood in the door track
• Don’t leave clues that you aren’t home: uncollected mail, trash barrels at the end of your driveway, unmowed lawn. A trusted neighbor or friend can collect these things for you or you can hold your mail at the post office.  If you are away for more than a week arrange to have your lawn mowed.
• Keep your house well lit, use timers on lights.  If you have a Nest (or similar products) turn on lights at different times of the night
• If you have the ability turn on radios or tvs remotely, do so at random times
• Leave your blinds as they are when you are home.  Drawn blinds can be an alert that you aren’t home and they conceal if someone goes in.

A secure home, will let you vacation freely!  If you have any questions about your homeowners policy and your coverage call us: www.mancuso-nowak.com.