Categories: Articles
      Date: Feb 20, 2010
     Title: Are you Ready For A Vacation?

Are you Ready For A Vacation?

By Stephen Ferrebee, President, Warren Area Board of Realtors

I've always thought a cruise around Alaska would be nice but after the last couple weeks I have changed my plans and I'm now considering a vacation to Death Valley. I'm sure that I am not alone when I say that some of us have had enough of this global warming  and want some real warming to start soon..

With Easter vacations coming up in the next couple weeks for area schools, some families might be planning to get away from this white stuff for awhile.  Planning a trip means more than just pulling out a map and taking off from work or school. It also should include a "vacation checklist" of things to do to protect your home and valuables while you are away.

Regardless of how long you'll be gone, it's important to be sure that your home has a lived-in appearance. Tell-tale signs that invite burglars or vandals include overgrown lawns, piled-up newspapers, a full mailbox and no lights at night.

This checklist will help you enjoy your vacation with the knowledge that you haven't forgotten to take the proper steps to protect your home.

--Ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your mail, or go to the post office and place a hold on delivery until you return.

--Call your newspaper's circulation department and request a vacation hold; some papers require 48 hours notice.

--Plug certain lights into automatic timers. These devices are inexpensive and are among the most effective means of giving your home a lived-in appearance.

--Leave a radio turned on. Tune it to an all-news or talk-show station. A burglar would have a tough time deciding if the voices are coming from the radio or the people living in the home.

--Arrange to have someone to keep your driveway and sidewalk clear of any possible new snow while you're away. Leave a house key with a friend or neighbor in case of emergencies. This person also could open and close shades and drapes to alter the appearance of your home.

--Let the police know if you are going to be away for an extended period. In some communities, they will occasionally be able to check on your home while you're gone.

--Leave an itinerary with a neighbor or relative in case you need to be reached in an emergency.

--Just before you leave, be sure that all appliances are turned off and that all windows and doors are securely locked.

--Don't hid keys under the door mat, in flower pots or any place outside the home. Burglars know all the usual hiding places.

Neighbors and relatives are your best friends when you're away. And when it's their turn for a vacation, you can return the favor.

Visit  www.wabor.org to find a REALTOR near you