One sure way to put a damper on that much deserved vacation is to be worried about what’s happening back home.

An empty house can mean an open invitation to a thief.

While You’re Gone 

• Make it look like someone is at home when you are gone. Use timing devices to turn on lights, TV, etc.
• If you left a vehicle at home, ask a neighbor to move it every so often
• Have paper and mail deliveries stopped
• Leave an extra house key with a friend or neighbor. DO NOT hide it around a door.
• The friend with the key needs to know how to disable any alarm system that may have an audible feature.
• Leave blinds, curtains and shades in their normal position
• Let someone know the dates of your trip, the route your will be taking, who will be with you, your vehicle description (if driving), and contact information
• We all enjoy seeing your vacation photos, but please wait until you get home to post them on social media. Don’t advertise the fact that you are gone.

Protect Your Money

• Carry only as much money as you need plus a small amount for the unexpected
• Separate your money – carry it in different places or give part of it to a companion
• On extended trips utilize travelers’ checks
• DON’T let ANYONE see you with large amounts of cash.
• Be sure and have the information you need to cancel any credit or debit cards should one of them be stolen or compromised.

Enjoy your trip!

Jim Leach’s book “You Can Tell ME, Effective Interviewing Made Simple,” is available at “booksbyleach.com” and Amazon.com.