Vacation season is finally here! If a trip away from home is in your plans, remember these tips to keep your home safe and secure while you are gone.

1. Suspend regular deliveries. This includes newspapers, milk and diaper service deliveries. Ask the post office to hold your mail until you return and notify UPS if you are expecting a package.
2. Set timers on lights and radios. Choose timers tested for safety. You can create the illusion that you’re at home by setting the timers to turn lights on and off in different areas of your home throughout the evening. If you choose to leave a radio on, please lower the volume so that it cannot be heard from outside your home.
3. Ask neighbors to watch out. People you know and trust can often be your best defense. Inform your neighbors if you will be gone for an extended period of time.
4. Securely lock all doors and windows. Did you know that in almost half of all completed residential burglaries, thieves simply breezed in through unlocked doors or crawled through unlocked windows? And don’t forget to secure any vehicles you leave behind.
5. Leave curtains and blinds in their normal positions. If you are concerned about leaving blinds or curtains open on the nights that you are away from home, leave them closed. It is more common to have closed blinds during the day than to have them open at night.
6. Unplug countertop appliances, home entertainment equipment and computer equipment. To prevent a fire hazard, coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers and irons should be left unplugged. Unplug all TVs, VCRs and computers to protect against power surges in the event of a power outage.