Spring Break is around the corner and for many of us, thoughts of warmer weather sound really good this time of year. But what if you’re on your way out the door and hear the news of recent break-ins in your neighborhood? Or a few miles outside of Indianapolis, you start wondering if you left the iron on? And what about those water pipes...are they going to burst?
After pulling over, smoking a cigarette and talking to a trusted mental health professional, you decide this year's spring break isn't going to be like last year's spring break experience. You're going to plan ahead!
Before you cancel that vacation, there are ways to prevent burglaries and other home-related disasters while you’re away.
Boost your home’s protection with these suggestions:
♦ Replace doors with solid-core windowless doors. Install deadbolt locks.
♦ Replace loose window screens, broken latches, and cracked windowpanes. Close and lock all windows.
♦ Trim shrubbery that obscures windows and doors.
♦ Never hide a key outside of your house. Give it to a trusted neighbor or family member instead.
♦ Clean perishables out the refrigerator and cupboards. Turn off your ice-maker.
♦ Unplug your TV, computer, and other electronics in case of a lightning surge.
♦ Have a neighbor hold a spare key and check on the house periodically — if a water pipe breaks or you left the iron on, they can prevent further damage.
♦ Pay a responsible neighborhood kid to pick up your mail and newspapers, or stop delivery at the post office and with the newspaper.
♦ Ask a neighbor to drag a garbage can in front of your house on trash day and park in your driveway.
♦ Leave automatic sprinkler systems running. Have someone mow your lawn or rake your leaves.
♦ Put timers on lamps near windows so they will turn on and off in the evenings.
♦ Install motion-activated lights outside the house.
♦ Don’t announce your absence on your answering machine, and don't put notes on your door, such as “Take deliveries next door.”
♦ Secure storage sheds, attic entrances, and gates.
♦ Call your local police to let them know you’ll be traveling. Some departments send patrols out to your home while you’re away.
♦ If you must park in your driveway, remove garage door openers and keys, and lock the car doors.
♦ For added peace of mind, prepay bills so you won't have to worry about them while you're away.
Any tips or tricks on here that I've missed? Tell me all about it!
Safe travels,
Miriam
Miriam Odegard
Real Estate Broker/Owner, Odegard Real Estate Group
United Realty Indianapolis
1425 East 82nd Street, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46240
text/mobile: (317) 220-5397
email: miriam@miriamodegardhomes.com