Keeping Intruders at Bay While You’re On Vacation

Each year, there are more than 2.15 million burglaries with the majority of home invasions occurring in the peak vacation months of July and August. Going on vacation can be one of the most relaxing things in the world, but before you depart, here are a few  ideas to help keep intruders at bay while you’re on vacation.

Keep Your Home Well Lit – Place light timers inside your house to light up your house when it is dark out. Burglars tend to not flock to homes that are well lit and where they will be visible.

Trustworthy Neighbor- Ask a trustworthy neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your house while you’re away. Be sure to tell them if you are expecting any visitors over the course of your trip so that they can be aware.

Stop Delivery of Your Newspapers or Mail – Either put a hold on your mail and newspaper service, or have a neighbor collect them for you daily. A build up of mail or newspapers is a good indicator to burglars that you are on vacation. Another way to hide your mail is by getting a larger sized locked mailbox. This will ensure that your mail is not visible intruders.

Examine Your House Before You Leave- Make a checklist of all possible entrance paths for intruders and ensure that they are well locked and secured.

Hide All Valuables – Be sure to hide all of your valuables so that they are not visible from the windows. This way, intruders won’t have more of a reason to break in.

Security System – Homes without a monitored security alarm system are three times more likely to be burglarized or robbed than those with a monitored home security system. Nightwatch Protection is now offering a FREE home security system that will help keep your home protected even when you’re not on vacation.

Window Decals – Security system decals located on your front door is a great way to help scare off burglars.

Cameras – Weather it is a real camera, or a fake camera, if intruders think they will get caught, they will be less likely to break in.

Home Telephone – Don’t ever leave a voice mail message saying “We’re not home right now” or “We’re on vacation and won’t be back for a week.” This assures intruders that you won’t be home. Also, turn the ringer down on your house phone, or change it to 1 ring. If they can hear that no one is answering the phone, they will assume you are not home.

By following these helpful hints, you are on your way to a better protected home. These tips will help keep your stress levels down, so that you can fully enjoy your vacation.

Space Heater Safety Tips for the Winter

As the temperature continues to drop, many homeowners turn to space heaters for quick and cost efficient warmth. However, space heaters have long been known as the cause of numerous home fires and even fatalities. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration has cited space heaters as a leading cause of home fires during winter months. In past years, there has been approximately 600 deaths and 1,500 injuries due to space heater malfunctions. If you do choose to use a space heater to warm your home this winter, be sure to familiarize yourself with this important information.

Types of Space Heaters

There are four types of space heaters: kerosene space heaters, portable electric space heaters, wood burning heaters, and gas space heaters. Each type of device requires its own maintenance and operation procedures, as well as, its own set of safety precautions. Before operating a space heater in your home be sure to identify which type of device you have and the proper care and safety methods it requires.

Space Heater Safety Tips

After thoroughly reading your space heater’s instruction manual, follow these easy tips to help keep your home and family safe.

  • Always keep space heaters at least 3 feet from any flammable materials (rugs, drapes, bedding, and clothing).
  • Keep space heaters away from areas with water in order to reduce the risk of electric shock. If you plan on using your space heater in the bathroom be sure that the instruction manual permits this.
  • Never use a space heater in a room where children are unsupervised. This may put them at risk of being burned or shocked.
  • Always plug your space heater directly into its own electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord or overload an outlet with too many other devices.
  • TURN OFF, UNPLUG and STORE your space heater every time you are finished using it and especially before you leave your home.

For more in-depth information on space heaters and electrical safety check out the Electrical Safety Foundation International.