Tips to protect your home:  If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, be sure to take some safety precautions before leaving to make sure your home and possessions are safe.

For starters, make sure to not post on social media sites about your being away before your departure. The less people who know about your vacant house, the better. And speaking of that vacant house, try to make it so that your home looks “lived in” even when you are away. Set your lights to turn on and off with a timer and leave a car parked in the driveway at all times. These small steps alone will deter any burglars or unwanted guests from entering your property.

Make sure to stop your mail or have a neighbor bring it in for you. Hiring a house sitter is also a great idea to amp up your home’s security. Install deadbolts on doors and make sure all windows are covered.

Another often-overlooked idea: Make sure all of your insurance policies are up-to-date and accurate. Keep this information secure in a fire-proof safe. You aren’t going to be taking every valuable possession with you, so be sure that the ones you do leave behind are completely covered in the case of a burglary, vandalism or fire.

With the proper protection in place,  and these tips to protect your home, your mind can rest easy and be focused on your trip at hand.