FORT LEE, Va. –
For those planning to travel during the holidays, it's best to keep holiday travel plans quiet, and notify only those who have a need to know.
People are encouraged to take precautions to protect their home and belongings before departing for the holidays:
Consider placing jewelry and important documents, including a backup of any files from the computer, in a safe location such as a safety deposit box at the bank.
Valuables and firearms should be out of view and locked away. A home safe can be a good investment for this purpose.
Arrange to have mail and newspaper deliveries either stopped or picked up by a trusted friend or neighbor. Schedule someone to check on the home periodically and to shovel snow, cut grass or perform other work to avoid having the "on vacation" look.
The telephone' s ringer should be turned down to the lowest setting to avoid the phone being heard ringing from outside. An answering machine with a message that is noncommittal as to whether anyone is home, and when to expect a return call, is best ("Sorry we can't come to the phone right now, but if . . .").
Electronic timers on lamps to turn lights on and off during the evening, and on televisions and radios, just barely audible from outside, add to the appearance of an occupied home. Home alarm systems can be an investment for year-round protection and may lower your insurance rates.
Before leaving, ask the local police department to place the house on their vacation watch list. If someone will be checking on the home during your absence, pass this information along to the police. Before leaving, do a last walk-around to insure timers are set and doors and windows are securely locked.
When returning home, do a quick check around the exterior of the house to see if everything is in order. If something looks out of place, go to a neighbor and call the police.
Taking these few extra precautions can help avoid becoming a victim to a "Grinch" waiting to spoil your holiday fun.