In the mad rush to get ready for that much needed break, that long planned and long overdo vacation to the most isolated beach in the Caribbean or the ritzy ski area in the Rocky Mountains, a few precautions can easily be forgotten or overlooked.
How can there not be? There is so much to be done with regards to getting packed up, confirming flights and finishing all remaining work before jetting off to paradise for a few weeks.
One thing that should never be overlooked, however, is home security.
Although the McCallister's in "Home Alone" set their home alarm system, locked all their doors and windows and notified a local police officer (who happened to be one of the comedic robbers), they still forgot one crucial, crucial thing.
They forgot to shut and lock the garage door, a huge "no, no.
" Granted, they also forgot their son Kevin - played by Macaulay Culkin - but that does not count, since it was the whole point and plot of the movie.
So whenever planning on packing up and traveling off to some far away place for some relaxation time, make sure to follow these key steps to ensure that your treasures are safe and sound.
The most basic home security measure is to notify the post office and paperboy of your departure.
An easy indication of an empty home is an overstuffed mailbox and piles of newspapers on the front step.
By delaying mail and paper delivery, thieves will be none the wiser of your absence.
Ideally, instruct both to stop delivering the day before departure, to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
Make sure that all windows and doors - including the garage - are shut and locked.
A good idea is to patrol your property and examine any possible ways a robber may be able to gain entry into your home.
Think like a thief.
If a sliding door is loose or off track, fix it and reinforce the lock.
If a few window locks are rusty and do not work, then replace them.
All it takes is just one unlocked window for someone to gain access into your house.
Having a home alarm system is a great tool for ensuring the security of a home, whether on vacation or not.
Installing automatic or motion sensor lights within and outside of the home, however, will make it that much more secure.
A burglar is immediately deterred from breaking into a home if their shroud of darkness is violated by motion sensor light; they can no longer sneak around unnoticed.
Also, automatic lights within the house - set on a timer - will give the impression that somebody is always at home, something burglars normally want to avoid.
Finally, although it may seem like a good idea to change your answering machine to notify fellow callers of your absence, don't.
What is the point of investing in a home alarm and reinforcing locks if you are informing all callers that you are not at home? Instead, provide a spare key to a trusted neighbor and inform them of your travel plans.
If anything were to go wrong, they would be able to take care of things.