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Security Tips

OTHER PHOTOS

Even though you have chosen a monitored security alarm system for your premises, there are numerous extra precautions you should take to safeguard your home (or business) when you're not there. These simple, easy to follow security tips will help give your home that ‘ lived in' look and make it less of a target to potential intruders.

Whether you're just taking a weekend off at the cottage…going out of town for a few days on a business trip…or leaving for a few weeks on an extended holiday, it makes good sense to follow these simple security tips.

  • Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked.
  • Install timers on a few lights and program them to come on and off at various times.
  • Leave a radio playing in the house so that it's loud enough for someone to hear.
  • Arrange with a friend or neighbour to pick-up the mail and any flyers dropped at the front door.
  • Call the newspaper to cancel deliveries when you're away (they will arrange to automatically start service again on your return).
  • Tell your neighbours that you will be away and ask them to keep an eye on your place. Then when they go on holidays you can return the favour.
  • If possible, leave a car parked in the driveway, or ask a neighbour to park their car at your place from time to time.
  • During the summer, arrange to have someone maintain the lawn, garden, etc.
  • During the winter, have someone clean the driveway and shovel the walkways.
  • SET THE ALARM SYSTEM!!
  • For monitored alarm systems , it is important to have your 'keyholder' list up-to-date. If someone who is not on the list is going to be looking after your house, be sure to notify your monitoring station and have the person added to the list.
  • Also, it is important to make sure that any person looking after your house has had proper instruction in the use of the alarm system and knows how to correctly identify themselves in the event the alarm is set off.

Credit for cruise ship image: CC-BY-SA-3.0/Matt H. Wade at Wikipedia