Date: June 8, 2015
They do no come often enough for some. They rarely come for others. When they do come, you want to make the best of it. Vacations can be fun and you can come back refreshed and recharged. You do not want to come back a victim of crime. Here are 7 ways to fortify your home while you go on vacation. For memory purposes, think the word FORTIFY.
F – Find a friend or relative to house sit for you. This trusted friend or relative can either house sit or check on your premise from time to time to help you let others know that the house does not sit vacant or unattended.
O – Own a security system. Whether or vacation or not, everyone needs a good security system. It is like having security on site 24-7, only sometimes better. It does not call in sick and it does not go to sleep. The security system complete with signs warning people that you have an active security system will scare most bad guys away. They do not want to fool with it and go to the next place that has no security system.
R – Remember to stop your mail. This is a free service by the US Postal System.
T – Take care of your yard. The whole idea is to make it look like someone is there. They are not away, therefor the lawn gets the same treatment as when you are there. Hire a service or depend upon the friend or relative mentioned above. At least give everything a good trimming before you vacation.
I – Inner lights need to be burning at times throughout the day and night. A simple timer can be purchased to make that happen for you.
F – Focus on access. Be sure to lock doors and windows. If possible cut the garage power off so that someone cannot open your garage from another garage opener. Get rid of that hide a key.
Y – Your social media should not broadcast your vacation. These trolls are constantly scanning Facebook and other social media for your announcement of come get my stuff.
Written by: Donnie Cantwell, Tampa Branch Manager
