Are you looking to escape the Wisconsin winter for some warmer weather? Whether you are going on a short vacation or consider yourself a snowbird, it is important to prep your home before you leave.
Here are 10 safety tips and best practices for snowbirds and vacationers:
- Make sure all of your exterior doors and windows are locked and then double-check them all.
- Make sure someone will shovel your sidewalk
- Have someone you trust check on your house every day or every other day (not just for crime or because someone may leave a flier in your door that may indicate that you're away, but also to make sure the power hasn't gone off or that there aren't any leaking pipes or other issues)
- Leave a contact # with a neighbor(s) in case of an emergency
- Stop your mail and newspapers
- Make sure you have lights set on automatic timers (preferably between 2pm and 10pm then again in the morning from 6-8am). Install exterior motion lights.
- Encourage a neighbor with more than one vehicle to park their vehicle in your driveway or garage.
- Don't mention that you're away on social media sites (or share photos) – not only does it tell thieves you're away, but it's free information for scammers
- Make an inventory list (with photos) of all of your valuables
- Make sure to sign up for our Vacation Watch service
Additional resources from MPD related to this topic: