The term house, apartment, condo, trailer or
home is the same thing on this page and
means wherever you live.
· One of the times your home is most
vulnerable is when it is left empty for an
extended period of time. Darkened windows,
mail or newspapers collecting and closed
windows in hotter weather all advertise your
absence to a potential burglar.
· The best protection for your apartment
during your absence is to have a house
sitter. A friend you trust staying at your
house can take care of your pets and/or
plants in addition to making sure the house
is inhabited.
· Have a neighbor check on your home while
you're away -- turning on lights, radios or
TVs and opening and closing curtains will
give your apartment the appearance of
someone home.
· If you don't have a friend or neighbor to
house sit or check your apartment while
you're away -- perhaps even if you do -- you
should keep not only lights but also a TV or
radio on a timer. If you're like me and have
your TV on almost all the time you're home
[NOTE: I don't watch it, it's just
background noise.], the absence of the sound
and that glowing light in the windows
announces that you're not there.
· Make sure whoever is checking your
apartment while you're away knows how to
work your alarm system and who to call in
case of a problem.
· Unless you have a house sitter, stop your
mail and any newspaper or other delivery.
Nothing announces an empty apartment better
than a stack of newspapers or an overflowing
mailbox. Ask a nearby neighbor to pick up
any packages delivered while you're gone.
· If you have a garden or plants on your
balcony, make sure someone is watering the
plants regularly or put the plants where
they can't be seen. Plants slowly dying due
to lack of water may announce your absence.
· Check your lease. Many landlords require
that you notify them if your apartment is
going to be left empty for any period of
time (this is so they can enter in case of
emergency even if they can't reach you). If
you've got a house sitter this isn't
necessary.
