Ask a neighbor to take in your mail each day, or ask the post office to hold your mail (give them enough notice to stop delivery).
Suspend all newspaper deliveries, or ask a neighbor to take in the paper for you.
Have a neighbor take your garbage cans out on the correct days.
Mow your lawn just before you leave.
Use timers to turn on outside lights at dusk.
If you're leaving your car, leave it parked in the driveway.
Have a neighbor keep an eye on your house; give them a key in case of emergency.
Give a neighbor a phone number to reach you or a family member in case of emergency.
Program a radio to play on a timer to give the impression that someone is home.
Use an answering machine to answer calls.
Use timers to turn lights on and off at different times inside the house; to give the impression that someone is home.
Shut off the water for the washing machine. If the hose breaks while you're away, your house won't get flooded.
If you have an alarm, make sure to turn it on before you leave.
Lock all windows and doors before you leave.
If you plan on being away for an extended period of time, let a local police department know so they can make periodic checks by your home.
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