Holiday Safety Tips in Parkland FL

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Parkland, FL recently posted an article about “Holiday Safety Tips in Parkland FL”, which was so good an informative that I’d like to share their tips. These safety tips are great for planning your holidays and staying safe while out shopping or at home.

People get desperate around this time of year so it’s a good idea to know what’s going on around town. While Parkland, FL doesn’t see as much holiday crime as other areas of the country, there will be a good bit of home break-ins. So, these tips are really geared toward those of you who are leaving town and leaving your home unattended.

Keeping your vacant home safe and secure

* Before you leave, make your home appear to be occupied. Easy to use and affordable light timers will work wonderfully to make people think you are at home. Just be sure to put them on different times instead of a routine schedule.

* Stop your mail delivery or have a trusted neighbor, family member or friend pick it up each day; especially your newspaper deliveries.

* Ask neighbors to keep an eye out and to call the police if they see anything unusual at your home while you are away.

* Disconnect your automatic garage door opener and lock it.

* Secure all doors and windows before you leave town.

* Never leave a message on your answering machine, email or social media saying you will be out of town.

* Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway while you’re away.

* Turn on alarm system.

You can also sign up for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office Home Watch Program while you are out of town. A kind deputy will keep a regular check on your home during your vacation. They will make an exterior check on your home to make sure no unlawful entries have occurred. It’s also free for this wonderful service. You can sign up at: www.sheriff.org/homewatch or you can go directly to the City of Parkland’s website at www.cityofparkland.org.

These holiday safety tips are brought to you by: Salma Dhanji, your real estate resource for Parkland, FL and surrounding communities.

Originally posted at: http://www.trulia.com/blog/salmadhanjiteam/2013/12/holiday_safety_tips_in_parkland_fl