Vacation Checklist
Taking a well-deserved vacation? Good for you! Just be sure to keep your valuables protected in your absence. Here’s a vacation checklist to help you ensure your home and precious items are safe and secure so you can enjoy peace of mind.
Leave your house looking like someone is home. That’s the most basic rule.
Leave several lights on inside your home (energy-savers, of course), or better yet, buy several inexpensive automatic timers that can turn on your lights, stereo, radio, etc. on a varied schedule.
Don’t leave cash or valuables in your home while you’re away for any extended period of time.
Make arrangements to keep your lawn and shrubbery well-manicured.
Give a key to the house to a friend, relative, or trusted neighbor to use in case of an emergency. Never hide your door key on the premises.
Discontinue newspaper service temporarily.
Ask a friend or neighbor to pick up your mail daily or have the post office hold or forward your mail while you’re away.
Maintain an accurate and updated inventory of belongings, preferably with photographs of them and a list of serial numbers. Keep this inventory off-premises. Ask Intervault about long-term safe deposit or vault leases.
Check to make sure all windows and doors are locked before you leave, including your garage door. Statistics show that one third of all burglaries do not involve forced entry.
Ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home and property and to report any suspicious activity to the police. Just be sure to let them know once you’ve returned home.
Notify the police department of your trip.
