Home Security Basics

Lots of us go away during the holidays--and burglars are well aware of that fact. It's their busy season, too.

Most burglars prefer to enter an empty house and get in and out quickly. If you're going away for the holidays, here are 10 ways to avoid making your house an easy target.

1. Burglar-proof your house. If you've been meaning to get better locks, an alarm system, metal bars on windows or motion sensor lights, do it now. Cut down shrubbery that gives burglars a hiding place. Pay special attention to back doors and windows, where burglars often find the easiest entry. See if a police department representative will evaluate your home's security and recommend improvements.

2. Lock up. Half of all burglaries occur through unlocked doors and windows. Don't hide keys in obvious places, such as under a doormat or flowerpot or on top of the door frame.

3. Have a trusted person house-sit. Or ask a friend, relative or neighbor to keep an eye on things. Some police departments provide security checks for vacationers.

4. Have someone pick up your mail. An overstuffed mailbox and yellowing newspapers signal that no one is home; have delivery put on hold.

5. Give your house a lived-in look. Arrange to have the lawn mowed, garden watered, leaves raked or snow shoveled. Have your neighbor put garbage in your garbage cans and pick up free throwaway newspapers.

6.Fill up the driveway. If you have two cars, leave one in the driveway, or ask a neighbor to park there.

7. Put lights on automatic timers. Inexpensive timers turn lights and radios on and off at set times. For instance, a radio and lamp in the living room might be on in the early evening, and then a bedroom lamp could be on from 11:30 to midnight.

8. Leave drapes and shades the way you normally have them. If you can, have someone open drapes during the day and shut them at night. A house that's shuttered up tight looks unoccupied.

9. Put valuables out of sight. Don't leave valuables such as jewelry, art and electronic equipment in sight, close to windows. Even simple steps to hide your property may be effective if an intruder does manage to get in. A dusty hatbox in the top of a closet, laundry hamper, empty food containers or toy box are all places to stash valuables. As an extra precaution, consider leaving some valuables with a trusted neighbor, friend or relative--if their house is secure and they will be home the entire time you're gone.

10. Consider a safe. If you need to protect very expensive property, consider getting a safe deposit box or buying a good fireproof safe.

Making a Home Inventory

If your home is struck by a burglary or fire, an up-to-date home inventory will make it easier to deal with police and your insurance company. Without one, you'll have to create a list of all your property from memory.

Fortunately, making a home inventory isn't an onerous task. And doing so not only prepares you for possible losses--it can help you prevent the loss itself. As you inventory your possessions, you'll become more aware of their vulnerability, and you can take steps to secure them.

Start by walking through your house with a pad of paper and a still or video camera. Take pictures and jot down a list of any items worth more than $25 or $50. Go room by room, and don't forget the garage, attic and basement. Be sure to include jewelry, clothing, stamp or coin collections, CD and record collections, silver, tools and electronic equipment.

Then take a little time to formalize your inventory. Insurance companies often supply inventory forms. Making and updating an inventory can be even easier if you own a computer; Nolo's Personal Record Keeper software includes a complete home inventory section.

Whatever your method, record key information about each item:

• Complete description, including whether or not it's marked with an ID number such as your driver's license number. (You can buy an electric engraving pen for $20 or so at a hardware store.) Record the make, model and serial number, if any; this will help you justify the estimated value of the item to your insurance company. The ID and serial numbers help police identify stolen goods.
• Location. This will help you identify what you've lost if only one area, such as the garage, is hit.
• Location of ownership documents, receipts, owner's manuals and repair bills.
• Purchase price, current value and replacement cost. For most items, your best estimate will do. For antiques or other difficult-to-price items, such as a stamp collection, you may need a professional appraisal.

Keep your written and photographic inventory in a safe place, such as a fire-resistant file cabinet, the freezer or a safe deposit box. Keep at least one copy away from home. If you take a long vacation, give a copy to a friend or neighbor; that way, if your house is broken into while you're gone, they can determine what's missing and report it to the police.

Published: December 10, 1998

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