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Whether you reside in a house or apartment, having an alarm system in your dwelling is a must nowadays. Liberal cities such as San Francisco and Berkeley in the politically correct state of California treat home burglaries as “victimless crimes.” Naturally, these criminal sanctuaries are soft on crime and low on conviction rates. So, burglars at these locations are actually emboldened to continually ply their expertise with little fear of being caught by law enforcement. First of all, how can a criminal act be victimless, no matter how “trivial” it might be? It involves a loss, to a degree, of a person’s life, liberty, and/or property.

Several home protection products are currently in the market that are effective, affordable, and clever. They offer an alternative solution to the often pricey wired and wireless home alarm systems by well known security companies such as ADT and Brinks without monthly monitoring fees of at least $30.

The TeleSpy Intruder Alert, which retails for about $76, is an all-in-one functioning telephone, motion detector, and microphone. To activate the device, you enter any phone number that you desire and switch the motion sensor on. When the phone detects motion, it will automatically dial the number that you entered so that the person on the receiving end can listen in via the amplified microphone for approximately 30 seconds. Then, the TeleSpy disconnects and rearms to detect motion again, repeating the process. All it requires is a phone line. With this set up, false alarms are practically eliminated compared to conventional systems.

The Auto Dialer Security & Safety Alarm, on the other hand, is a passive infrared system which monitors motion in a strategic area ideally 5 to 6 feet above the floor. Once movement is detected when the unit is armed, it will emit a 105dB alarm and call up to 5 preselected phone numbers. The Auto Dialer can also be configured to chime mode. It needs a 9 volt battery and comes with an AC adapter and telephone line; it retails for about $40.

Another similar but more sophisticated device is called the MACE Wireless Home Security System. It comprises of a base unit with an AC adaptor, 1 window/door sensor with a remote transmission of up to 250 feet, 1 motion detector with a range of about 8 yards, and 1 keychain remote control with panic feature for arming and disarming. The complete system costs around $140. When either a sensor or motion detector is triggered, it activates an alarm and transmits a signal to the base unit. The unit then dials the 1st or 5 telephone numbers from your programmed list. The person receiving the call will hear a prerecorded alert message. That individual will have the option to listen in, broadcast his/her voice from the base unit, or disarm the system. If there is no answer and/or the system is not disarmed, the base unit will dial (tone dialing only) the next number on the list. This particular home security system can be expanded by adding extra window/door sensors, for about $40 each, and motion sensors, for about $37 each.

All 3 models have the advantage of being portable, transportable, and easy to install with no monthly monitoring fees. FBI studies on crime prevention indicate that by just merely putting stickers on doors and windows claiming the existence of a home alarm system without actually having one can enhance security. Additionally, Bottom Line reports on home burglary prevention state that generic stickers are more effective, instead of naming specific alarm brands, to keep criminals guessing on what kind of security system is used, if there is one at all.

A conservative American with backgrounds in law enforcement, martial arts, engineering, and info systems management. Please check my web site about self-defense devices, martial art training programs, child and home protection, and surveillance equipment at Striker701 Group.

Our homes are the places where we can relax and be comfortable. That it why it is only natural that we protect our homes from any outside danger so that we can feel safe and secure while we rest.

There are many serious and not so serious dangers that lurk around our neighborhood. Especially when there is no one at home or the residents are on vacation, that is the time that robbers choose to target homes.

Today, technology has allowed us to be able to detect such goings-around even when we are not present. There are motion detectors that act as security systems. These systems detect any movement using sensors and trigger alarms. Once a motion is detected, the system will call prerecorded numbers. The person who answers can have options whether to listen in, broadcast their voice as a warning, or disarm the system if the danger is not perceived.

Sometimes, however, the dangers come from people who are close to us, or people that we know. Babysitters, gardeners, plumbers, electricians, interior decorators, carpenters, and many hired personnel have access to our homes and can have the greatest opportunity to cause harm or to take valuable stuff.

If you want to take precaution with regard to this kind of danger, you can install hidden and wireless cameras, also popularly known as nanny cameras. If you need to go outside your home and personnel are still inside going about their job, you can keep watch over them through such cameras. And these cameras come in forms and shapes like normal household items such as clocks, plants, calculator, air purifiers, DVD players and the like.

These cameras can also be used for hospital care. If you have a bed-ridden or injured people in your home, you can keep watch over them through these cameras. However, there are no audio options because that is prohibited by the law.

If you also want to protect your home from stray or neighborhood animals, you can buy several products to keep dogs and other animals off your property. Some animals dig holes in gardens, destroy fences, and create messes and more litter to your surroundings.

There are also common household items that you can use. Signal horns that emit a loud sound that is triggered by a button. Dogs have very sensitive ears so they will be irritated by this. Many people have also tried moth balls to keep dogs away and this method has proven effective. The application of ammonia on the borders of your property can also keep cats and dogs away from your home.

It can also help to install smoke and burglar alarms in your homes. Prevention is better than cure. It is always better to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances than to be caught in situations where you cannot do anything at all.

Bottom line is, our homes are our places of safety so we have to take the necessary measures to protect it and keep it as our sanctuary.

If you are interested in defending your home and family and want more information on nonlethal self defense weapons check out http://www.safetyprotectiontechnology.com where they will help you choose the most appropriate for you.

The most common non-lethal self defense weapon is the pepper spray. We see it being used in TV and by characters in movies. The pepper spray has achieved popular culture status and is even a regular household item.

There have been many rapes, robberies, and assaults that are reported each year. While carrying pepper spray does not necessarily guarantee that you will not be attacked. But carrying such weapons will help you defend yourself should the time come that you need to.

The main ingredient of pepper spray is Oleoresin Capsicum, which is found in hot chili peppers and extracted to high concentration. It is not an irritant agent butt rather is an inflammatory agent. It targets mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. The use of pepper spray can cause temporary blindness, distress in respiration, and sometimes a burning sensation in the affected area.

Because it causes inflammation, it will make the capillaries of the eyes swell and shut. These effects last from a range of two seconds to 30 minutes. If you want to get a graphic and more understandable way of understanding how pepper spray works, you can bring to mind instances where you have eaten really spicy food. The tongue will feel hot and feels like it swelling. Tears will swell up. Take that experience and increase it a hundred fold - imagine if the spicy food was rubbed all over your face, affecting your eyes, nose and mouth. This is how being sprayed with pepper spray will feel like.

Another great thing with pepper spray is that it comes in various sizes and shapes. This is to disguise your self-defense weapon. Pepper sprays come as pens, rings, and flashlights. If you still want to be fashionable when you defend yourself, you can purchase a lipstick pepper spray. People who look through your belongings will think that you are just carrying an ordinary lipstick without knowing that it is your defense against danger.

There are also special pepper spray such as the wildfire pepper spray with has 18% concentration. It has a belt clip and keychain holster for carrying convenience. But the most popular brand of pepper spray continues to be Mace pepper spray. It is not only used by ordinary people but also but law enforcement officers as well.

Many of these items can be purchased online so you don’t have to leave your house to buy stuff to protect you. You can pay for it through credit card of PayPal and it will be delivered to you. Some sites even ship your orders for free.

However, pepper spray and other non-lethal self defense weapons need licenses and permission to carry. You should first check if your state allows the use of such weapons before purchasing. There are also books out there on pepper spray that can teach you how to utilize your non-lethal weapon to your best advantage.

The best protection is always being on guard and aware of everything around you. Nothing beats being watchful and attentive.

If you would like to know were you can buy pepper spray or mace take a look here http:/www.safetyprotectiontechnology.com, where they will help you choose the most appropriate for you.

The world is never a safe place to live after all; dangers are just at the corner waiting for its next victim. With the ever increasing rate of people who risk their life because of crimes, some would be careful enough to go their way and bring pepper sprays with them for protection. In fact, if you’ll only have the chance to inspect each bag of every person then you’ll realize that a great deal of them would bring pepper spray for safety. Thorough the years, it becomes one of the leading protection devices used by people particularly by women of the present generation.

Sad to say, most people are not aware of how it works. Basically, there is a wide range of pepper spray available in the market these days and with a vast of choices; you can definitely find one that would be right for you. If you would always go from one place to another then you can opt for clip-on pepper spray which you could carry with you anywhere. There is also what they call as the pen-like pepper spray that is packed in small containers just like a pen so you could simply slip it on your blouses anytime No one would think that what looks like a usual fountain pen is in fact an extremely deadly thing. Beneath the cap of the pen, you will see a nozzle that could go far 6 to 8 feet and provides half-a-second spray. This is extremely convenient though it only provides ten shots.

For sure, some people are wondering what the content of the spray is. For information, it include oil named as Oleoresin Capsicum which was obtained from the placenta of a pepper. Such component has been proven to be safe to be use against the hazard which could be given by ill-mannered individual which also include those that are psychotic or perhaps under the control of drugs or alcohol. Moreover, it is also created using UV (ultraviolet) dye that would help law enforcement officials to better recognize criminals by merely identifying remains of the spray on the skin even after repetitive washings. Almost all pepper sprays also are created to be a hundred percent kind both on humans and animals.

Since it could cause harm to someone, is it legal to bring pepper spray with you at all times? There is really no problem if you want to bring it with you. However, just try not to bring this thing with you if you wish to go to the airport. Also, check with local laws since some states have their own restrictions as well as formulation rules when it comes to pepper spray. One example is Massachusetts that would ask for Firearms Identification Card (FID) before you can bring the thing with you in their place. Moreover, in Michigan there are detailed pepper or tear gas formulations which are mandatory. In New York however, it should only be acquired from a New York state licensed firearm dealer.

If you are interested in defending yourself if attacked and want more information on nonlethal self defense weapons check out http:/www.safetyprotectiontechnology.com where they will help you choose the most appropriate for you. They carry all different sizes of pepper spray and mace.

Have you ever wondered what emotions you would have or how you would react in a situation that would require you to defend yourself from a violent and aggressive attacker? Would it be the Fight or Flight thoughts making their way into your brain, or would you just freeze up and do nothing? Are you prepared to defend yourself, do you have the tools and knowledge to halt a violent attacker?

Many people purchase different personal security products that are meant to assist them when defending themselves from an attacker should the situation arise. From Tasers and Stun Guns to Pepper Spray people spend their hard earned money on personal protection only to put the Pepper Spray in the glove compartment of the car, the Stun Gun in the kitchen junk drawer, or the Taser on the top shelf of the closet where they are sometimes forgotten about. It is up to you to remember why you purchased a personal protection product, have it readily available and be prepared to use it to protect yourself and your family.

Take for instance pepper spray, the first thing you should do is get familiar with it. Go outside and take a Styrofoam cup for a target, and the reason we recommend Styrofoam is because it shows results of what pepper spray does to a person. Make sure you are not spraying against the wind, spraying into the wind causes the spray to have particles come back on you. Stand approximately 6 - 8 feet from your target, turn your release off and aim at your target.

Once you are ready, hit the button releasing the spray. You will see that pepper spray starts to burn the Styrofoam. So imagine what it does to a potential attacker. You have just given yourself a lesson in using pepper spray, but it does not stop here. Anytime you are alone, walking to your vehicle in a parking garage, leaving a shopping mall or just simply getting home after dark.

Take out your pepper spray and be prepared.

Stun Guns and Stun Batons have also proven to be a safe and non-lethal alternative for self defense. They range in voltage of 50,000- 950,000. Most stun guns are operated by 9 volt alkaline batteries. Load your stun gun with batteries and click the on switch, depending on the voltage you will hear clicking of the shock, the higher the voltage the louder it will be.

Men and Women differ on how they carry their stun gun. Men normally put it in a holster and where it on their belt where women puts it in their purse. We recommend the same technique mentioned above when you are alone.

Take out your stun gun and turn to the on position, if you are in danger and have the need to use a stun gun you must make contact with your assailant. You must be prepared in a moments notice.

Tasers offer 2 ways of defending yourself. Tasers fire 2 probes up to a distance of 15 feet that transmit pulsed energy through the wires into the central nervous system causing immediate involuntary incapacitation to an attacker.

The other way a taser would be effective would be the Drive Stun Backup which is similar to the stun gun method, applying the device directly on your attacker. Tasers can be worn in public and are considered a non-lethal weapon.

There are certain state restrictions on tasers, stun guns and defense sprays so we recommend you check your local and state laws. Training yourself with a non lethal weapon of choice gives you the understanding of why you have the weapon and the courage to use it.

You can not predict if or when you could become a victim of a violent assault, but it makes sense to be prepared in case you are a potential victim. The best defense is having the best offense.

For more information on the non-lethal personal protection options offered go to: http://www.SafeSelfDefense.com

Check out my blog at: http://www.SafeSelfDefense.info

Nobody would really want to kill someone. As one famous man of philosophy suggests, being good is natural to every man it is only the circumstance that will bring the badness out of him. While your family is sleeping soundly in the middle of the night, what if a burglar suddenly intrudes your residence threatening to cause harm among your family member? Even the kindest person of all would react untowardly over the situation; of course anyone would want to stop the burglar immediately to stop his chance of causing further harm to the member of your family.

No matter how many times you had been told that rubber bullet belongs to the law enforcement only, still you can scare their wits away by shooting close range through the bird shot. However, secure yourself with enough bullets just in case the intruder become out of control and try to attack you. There is what the law would call as the Castle Doctrine which you can legally use without having to face criminal obligation in the near future. Be reminded however that you can only make use of such law in cases when the intruder is attempting to compulsorily penetrate into a premise in where he is uninvited. Also, the intruder should be acting unlawfully which simply connotes that someone could not use such law for defense in case the intruder is only acting in the line of their official duties and if the intruder has the intention of inflicting severe bodily harm or death to the occupants.

With this, never attempt to just shot an intruder straight to the point that will leave him dead. Do not shot to kill and do not even attempt to kill an intruder since doing such will only leave you to be charged with criminal record. Come to think about it, you merely want to stop an intruder from causing you harm but you end up in jail. With this, act with caution.

No one surely would want to experience this kind of disturbing scenario so as much as possible, protect your home against the angst brought by intruders. The very first step that you have to take is to survey your place inside and out so you could find for things that could further put you at risk. Look for busted doors, cracked window glass, unclose panel- these could be inviting for robbers. Inspect your belongings; are your valuables simply perceptible from the street? Evade from putting expensive items near the window.

Furthermore, try to inspect the surroundings of your house. Look for those areas that are not perceptible from your neighbors, these could be used by burglars to obtain access to your property. Always remember that having a fence would give you privacy, as well as privacy for robbers to implement their plan. Light the place especially at night so ill-mannered guys would not find it easy to go inside. Protect your homes against intruders by following these simple yet effective tips. Be alert enough at all times.

If you are interested in defending yourself and your home if attacked and want more information on nonlethal self defense weapons check out http://wwww.safetyprotectiontechnology.com where they will help you choose the most appropriate for you.

Surveillance technology began as a way to deter burglars against theft. They have evolved into systems that can do everything from looking at the inside of your home from 1,000 miles away to ensuring your pets are safe from fire while you are out for the day. Consumer surveillance systems have flourished in the past decade. New advances in technology and capabilities ensure there is a system that can meet most budgets and needs.

There are two major classifications of surveillance technology:

* Hard wired

* Wireless

Your decision to purchase a surveillance system should be based on your needs. It is impressive to have a high-end system that can monitor every room at any time. Is that a system that you need? Opting for equipment or packages that you can’t or won’t use will be more wasteful in the long run.

Your surveillance system can be programmed to perform a variety of functions. Sensors are available in consumer systems that can detect such things as body heat, break-ins or even air movement indicative of someone being in your home. It is often recommended that consumers purchase the systems that can also perform emergency tasks like alerting occupants over a house fire.

Wireless surveillance systems are ideal for renters. They are also ideal for those in smaller homes or who want to perform the installation themselves. Wireless systems can be portable for easy transport to a new home. Many also offer voice programming and to call specific numbers in case of an emergency. Wireless sensors communicate with the system and make alerts of low batteries, a problem in the system or other such issues.

Wired, or hard-wired, surveillance systems also have their benefits. These systems are wired into your existing walls and structures in order to monitor your home. They are considered by professionals to be more reliable than wireless systems. Such systems are often more aesthetically pleasing and depend on electricity instead of batteries. Consumers also have the benefit of professional installation that are covered under warranties. The majority of companies that contract security systems offer consumer support if you have questions. These systems can also add value to your home.

There are disadvantages with both types of security systems that should be carefully considered before choosing a system. Wireless surveillance equipment may work only when the sensors are placed at the appropriate angles and distances. There will be problems if you place the sensor too far from the system.

Wireless systems are known to go through a number of batteries. You can imagine the energy necessary for a system that is continually monitoring your home. Wireless systems can also be subject to interference from other electronic devices. Several wireless computer networks use a frequency that can interfere with wireless surveillance cameras. Most professionals recommend wireless systems only as a last resort.

Wired systems are not above reproach. There have been complaints about these systems as well as success stories. The price tag on a hard-wired surveillance system can be surprising. These systems are more expensive, and many consumers must also pay for labor and installation costs.

A hard-wired surveillance system also requires access. It may not be possible to run wires through the walls in some areas of your home. This can leave parts of your home vulnerable to intrusion. You may also want to consider the repair costs necessary if you have building materials like plaster or stucco on your walls. These can be easily damaged by drilling and may be difficult to repair. A hard-wired surveillance system is also a perpetual feature. You will not be able to move it elsewhere since it is constructed into the existing walls.

The right security system can make your home safer. It will give you the assurance that you have someone also looking out for your safety. The right information will help you to pick the system that best suits your needs.

Sharon Macdonald is a retired teacher and high-tech security specialist. She is an expert in visual and audio surveillance systems and techniques. See what she recommends to protect your family in her blog

You may think that since you live in a safe neighborhood, that you don’t necessarily need a solid home security surveillance system of any type.

You may be right and you may get lucky and never have your house burglarized. This is the optimal situation and one that all homeowners wish for.

However, many homeowners don’t even want to take a chance these days. Oftentimes, it is the most safe looking house in the most protected area that gets burglarized. It happens sometimes.

A very good way to protect your house is to install home security surveillance. Surveillance by camera is extremely effective in capturing thieves in the process of committing a criminal act, and also can help prevent any wrongdoing.

CCTV is becoming more and more popular as people’s houses get larger and take up more space. This type of camera surveillance setup is a great way to manager your property better and to see what is going on around your home. You know what they say: when the cats away, the mice will play.

Something you may not know about home security is that if you have your camera system visible on the exterior of your home, this is a very effective way to prevent burglary.

Think about it. A would-be thief takes a look at your property, or “case” the area, as they say in cop shows, he sees a camera mounted in the backyard on the roof.

He will not want to have his image caught on camera and it is very likely that he will move on to another home, leaving yours safe.

Another thing you may want to know about home security surveillance is that you might want to keep cameras inside your home.

This may come as a surprise, but often the people who do the stealing are the people who are trusted and have easy access to your home.

This means babysitters, neighbors, repairmen, gardeners, etc. Why not keep a camera system installed in your home and let people know that it’s there. This way, you keep people honest.

Many people have started to use interior home security camera systems as a way of preventing crime and managing the safety of their children and loved ones.

Internal systems are a very good way to prevent burglary and theft. Do not be caught off guard. There are many different types of systems you can install in your home. It totally depends on the needs of your home and how protected you want to be.

Often, the most effective thing to do is have a professional security firm give you an estimate and possibly install the system for you. If you want the best, typically that is the way to get it.

But there are also less intensive systems that may work perfectly for your needs. These can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The prices vary greatly in the home security world.

The most important part about home security is preparedness. The more effort you put into your home security, the safer you, your home, and your family will be.

If you are looking to protect your home, you may be interested in learning more about home security surveillance. Read an article about home security cameras.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is the most reported form of fraud. Identity theft and mail theft go hand-in-hand. While identity theft can involve the Internet and world wide web, most criminals don’t rely on technical savvy to steal personal information. They simply look for lost wallets, burglarized mailboxes, or improperly disposed of hardcopy records.

In 2008, Javelin Strategy & Research held a survey online to monitor trends in identity fraud. One of the important issues of the survey was identifying how identity theft was initially accomplished: out of the 35% of victims knew how information was taken, more than 75% said it involved a physical method (lost wallet, phone sale, stolen mail, etc) compared to 14% that indicated online methods (phising, e-mail scams, etc.)

“Criminals don’t have a bias toward technology. They will use any channel that works.” James Van Dyke, president of Javelin Research.

To protect themselves against identity theft, consumers need to understand effective (and simple) methods of protecting themselves. This can include using free anti-virus software on your computer, locking your mailbox, and simply education for better safety.

Here is a list of ways to help protect yourself against mail and identity theft:

1- But a cross-cut shredder. Take any financial and personal information documents and make sure that your information is not accessible when you get rid of it. This includes old billing statements and pre-approved credit applications. Also keep track of credit card receipts as some merchants print your information on them.

2. If you work in a business that creates documents, take the responsibility to protect your clients by destroying documents before leaving them. For a business, identity theft can be just as damaging as personal identity theft.

3. Be aware of your Credit and Debit cards. “Number Thieves” sometimes use cell phone cameras to take a record of your number while using it at grocery stores or restaurants. An easy method of protection is to lay your card face down while waiting for the bill.

4. If you request a new credit card in the mail, make sure to keep track of when you receive it. If you do not see the card in an appropriate time- contact the issuing organization and have it cancelled and resent.

5. Do not keep open credit cards that remain unused and unmonitored. If you do not intend to use a card, keep an eye on the account or cancel it.

6. Put passwords on all your accounts and do not use common terms and avoid using your mother’s maiden name. Make up a fictitious word.

7. Confirm how your personal information is stored and protected by businesses you interact with. Ask financial institutions, doctors’ offices, etc., what they do with your private information and make sure that they dispose of it properly.

8. Do not carry your unneeded information! Remove excess credit and ID cards from your wallet and purse. Do not carry any information you do not need and use on a daily basis.

9. Confirm why your social security number is needed on any application, and how that information is used and protected after you release it to someone.

10. If called by phone, do not give out your personal information over the phone if you do not recognize the business you are dealing with. If you feel any sense of doubt, ask for a number and contact information for the person requesting the information and contact them to provide only the necessary information.

11. Do not put telephone numbers on you checks. If a business requests a phone number, write it in the notes section of the check on a case by case basis.

12. Use banking and credit cards that offer photo ID on any cards they issue.

13. Do not store your credit card number on shopping sites. It may seem secure, but you may accidentally release your password to a site without knowing it and give away your credit card information at the same time.

14. Most identification groups (health care, insurance, etc) can utilize a different identification number instead of your social security number. Using a custom identification number reduces the number of people who have access to your social security number and personal information.

15. Keep track of your banking and credit card statements. Check line items (and those darn monthly charges) to make sure that you have authorized all the charges on your account.

16. Check your credit every six months. You can gain a free copy of your credit report during most credit application processes (credit card applications, mortgage, car financing, etc) Review your information carefully.

17. Keep your personal information on your computer secure. Utilize password options and do not store financial data on a mobile computer (laptop, PDA, phone) If you do need to store sensitive data, encrypt the information with proper software.

18. Store personal information at home in a secure location, preferably a locking file cabinet or personal safe.

19. Double-check that all of your utility accounts and financial services have DIFFERENT passwords. If one account has security breached, it will prevent all of your accounts from being hijacked.

20. The Next Step: Ordering Your Credit Report

The three major credit bureaus have current toll-free phone numbers and web addresses for ordering credit reports. You can also order by mail, but these addresses change frequently and it is best to call or check the web site to get the current mail address.

EXPERIAN: Toll-free phone number: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742), TTY (1-800-972-0322)

EQUIFAX: Toll-free phone number: 1-800-685-1111.

TRANS UNION: Toll-free phone number: 1-800-888-4213.

If you think you are the victim of identify theft:

ISSUE A CREDIT FREEZE. A credit freeze disables your credit file, requiring extra verification to open new accounts or access personal information. Typical credit freezes last 90 days. You can request a credit freeze by contacting any of the three credit agencies above.

Jenny DeRaspe-Bolles is Marketing/PR Specialist at MailBoss - a division of Epoch Design. MailBoss is committed to the design, manufacturing and distribution of a security mailbox of superior quality and value. The Mail Boss locking security mailbox product line secures sensitive mail, helping consumers protect themselves from the epidemic of mail theft and identity theft.

Thousands of Americans escape from the area every day to explore the open road. In today’s travel planning, taking the extra steps to protect yourself and your home is an essential part of your departure plans.

There are many common things that can go wrong while you are away, so make sure to cover all the basics and leave a secure home before leaving it unattended.

Here are 16 Ways to Secure Your Home:

1- Secure important papers and valuables. Use a personal safe or lock box, or invest in renting a security box from a local company to safeguard any essential valuables that cannot be replaced.

2- Check insurance policies for home, auto, and life. Keep a copy of your insurance papers with your important papers.

3- Alert your trusted neighbors to your vacation. Aware community members are the easiest way to help protect your home if they know that you will be gone.

4- Make sure that windows are closed properly and that valuables are not visible from the outside of your home.

5- Hire a housesitter. This can be a personal friend or a professional. Maintaining your home (plants, animals, etc) and protecting it by giving the appearance of being occupied is easily accomplished by hiring a local responsible teenager or contacting a service.

6- Do not advertise your vacation with people you are not personal friends with. One of the biggest mistakes of going on vacation is bragging to the wrong people at the wrong time: which is generally before you leave. Keep your vacation stories for after you have returned.

7- Put mail on hold or get a secure locking mailbox. The post office will hold you mail for a specific time with a simple request, however locking mailboxes with enough storage can simplify the process if you are consistently traveling.

8- Install automatic timers for your lights. Most home improvement stores carry a variety of digital timers that can turn on at random or programmed intervals. Lights create the illusion of having an occupied residence.

9- Leave your car in the driveway, but make sure to not leave a garage door opener in your car.

10- Lock your garage door externally and internally. Garage doors are created with a mechanism that can be forced open from the outside.

11- Leave a key with a friend or neighbor (in addition to having a housesitter) so that they can double-check your property or be available in case of an emergency.

12- Document your valuables.The easiest way to do this is by photographing or taking video of each room, with a quick shot of any specific high-value items. Store the information somewhere else (security box at the bank, family members house, etc). In the event of loss, this will help you file an insurance claim and make sure you didn’t forget anything.

13- Mark your valuables with an Operation Identification number. Your local police department probably has a pamphlet on this process. You can engrave or etch your drivers license number on to valuables, if stolen and later recovered, police can track you down through the department of motor vehicles.

14- Start a community watch and look out for your neighbors. Everyone goes on vacation, and this is an easy opportunity to establish a good-faith relationship with your community and enhance your overall safety.

15- Turn off all appliances (and even unplug them). Your can minimize the risk of an electrical fire by unplugging any unnecessary appliances.

16- Forward your home phone number to your cell phone (or a family member) to answer calls while you are away.

Finally: create a departure checklist for each family member traveling. Include items on this list, but also include important conversations with children and teenagers to make sure that they are not advertising your absence with the wrong people.

Jenny DeRaspe-Bolles is Marketing/PR Specialist at MailBoss - a division of Epoch Design. MailBoss is committed to the design, manufacturing and distribution of a security mailbox of superior quality and value. The Mail Boss locking security mailbox product line secures sensitive mail, helping consumers protect themselves from the epidemic of mail theft and identity theft.