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Tell all your neighbours you will be
away and for how long. It may be advisable to leave a key with
a request for an occasional house check. You can return the
favour when they go away.
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Ask you neighbours not to pass along word
of your absence. In answer to a request as to your
whereabouts, the neighbour can reply: "They will be back
shortly."
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Leave a phone number with a neighbour
where you can be reached in case of an emergency.
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Have you taken advantage of the
Neighbourhood Watch system of having your possessions
marked? The notices to be attached to your front and back
doors announcing this fact are an affective deterrent to
intruders.
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Make arrangements for any pets you have.
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Take care of all accounts that should be
paid.
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Arrange to have lawns cut while you are
away.
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Discontinue your daily newspaper or make
other provisions. They must not pile up on the porch.
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Disconnect the TVs.
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Put hanging baskets and plants in pots in
a shaded area to minimize need of
water.
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A light timer is a good investment at
this time. Leave a light to operate several hours each
evening. A radio may be regulated the same way.
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Do not pull all your curtains closed.
This is obvious evidence of an unoccupied residence.
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Be sure that your mail is out of sight.
Make provisions for this if none exists.
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Arrange with a neighbour to pick up any
flyers, advertisements, etc., that are delivered to your door.
You can do the same for them when they are away.
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Cancel all deliveries during the time of
your absence.
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Put valuable jewellery
into a safety
deposit box.
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Fasten all windows. Where necessary,
install screws to add strength to fasteners.
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Clean out the refrigerator as much as
necessary.
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Empty the bread box.
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If the weather is co-operating, it would
be wise to turn off the furnace, air conditioner and water
heater.
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See that all burners on the kitchen range
are turned off.
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If you're leaving a car in the garage,
lock it.
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Have you made note of the serial numbers
and model numbers of your valuables; TV., stereo, camera, etc? |
Steven
Porter's