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Crime Prevention Blotter

10 Home Safety Tips for SnowBirds!

January 7, 2019 2:53 PM

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:

 

  1. Make sure all of your exterior doors and windows are locked and then double-check them all.
  2. Make sure someone will shovel your sidewalk
  3. 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)
  4. Leave a contact # with a neighbor(s) in case of an emergency
  5. Stop your mail and newspapers
  6. 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.
  7. Encourage a neighbor with more than one vehicle to park their vehicle in your driveway or garage.
  8. 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
  9. Make an inventory list (with photos) of all of your valuables
  10. Make sure to sign up for our Vacation Watch service

Suitecase

 

Additional resources from MPD related to this topic:

Camera Registration

Flyers/Pamphlets on Safety

 Email to a friend

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