Marion County Oregon - Vacation Tips

Safety Tips

Vacation Tips

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Vacation Tips
Don't make your home an easy target for criminals. Take these precautions before you leave for vacation:

If you return from vacation and discover that your home has been broken into, don't enter the home. Instead, go to a neighbor's house and call the police: 911 for an emergency or (503) 588-5032 for a non-emergency.

Help from Neighbors: have a neighbor keep an eye on your home while you are gone. They should make your home looks occupied. Park a spare car in the driveway; turn lights or appliances on at different times of day; open and close curtains; mow or water the lawn; rake leaves; shovel snow.
Make sure your neighbor knows how to reach you in an emergency, and how to set or reset the alarm system. They should also know your itinerary, such as where you will be staying and your expected date of return.

NOTE: Arrange for someone to pick up mail, newspapers, unsolicited ads, etc. If that is not possible, arrange for your newspapers and mail to be held until you return.

Extra Keys: do not leave extra keys beneath the mat, over the doorframe, or under a convenient rock. An extra key can be left with trusted friends or neighbors for emergencies. Make a note of their phone numbers, so you can call and ask them to do something you may have forgotten (unplug an appliance?).

Talking About Your Vacation: don't advertise vacation plans beyond those who need to know.

Electricity: unplug most electrical appliances. Attach a timer to lights, or the radio, to simulate occupancy. Choose talk shows instead of music, to provide human voices.

Pet Care: make arrangements to care for your pets in your absence. Sometimes they set off alarms.

Carrying Cash: convert cash to traveler's checks.

The Telephone: turn your telephone ringer off or down low. When it rings long and loudly it's an advertisement that nobody's home. Another option would be to use call forwarding. Answering machines are fine, but don't leave specific information about your absence. A vague message, such as, "We can't come to the phone right now, please leave a message."; is safer.

Doors and Windows: securely lock all the windows and doors in your home. All exterior hinged doors should have single cylinder deadbolt locks; sliding doors and windows should have lift and slide protection.

Driving?: check the oil, gas, headlights, tail lights, brake lights, brake fluid, radiator water level and tire inflation before leaving home. Carry a map in your car. Learn how to change a flat tire; carry an inflated spare and appropriate tools, including a flashlight.

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