Use these tips to safely leave your home while away for the holidays!

With decorating, shopping, parties, planning, and packing, there is a lot to do over the festive season! While jumping into the festivities, it’s easy to forget necessary safety steps!
Whether you’re planning on visiting Grandma in her cottage, leaving for the winter trip to the log cabin, or simply spending the Christmas weekend away, leaving your home safe will ensure that you don’t return home to stolen belongings or a vandalized home!
Use these steps to ensure that your home and family are kept safe:

• Don’t Post Plans
  While you may be tempted to post your Utah plans on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, be warned that it’s a tempting piece of information for thieves. They’ll be more likely to pay your home a visit if they know it’s empty for a week.
• Notify a Neighbor
  Ask a neighbor, trusted friend or relative to visit your home frequently. Ask them to pick up your post and newspapers while you are away. After all, nothing says vacant home like scattered newspapers on the driveway and a mailbox full of post.
• Hide Christmas Gifts
  While putting wrapped presents under a tree is a true sign of Christmas, it’s also an invitation for a burglar. Keep trees away from windows and presents out of sight!
• Lighten Your Lights
  If you’re leaving for a significant period of time, consider taking down the holiday lights to prevent accidental fires and theft of lights!
• Anyone Home?
  Put your regular lights on a timer while you’re away so that they automatically switch on and off. From the outside, lights on usually signify someone is home to turn them on.
• Keep a Watchful Eye
  Home security systems can include alarms and cameras so that you can keep a (digital) eye on your property without being there!

Prior to heading out on the road, review your homeowners insurance to check that your home is covered from vandalism, theft, fire and other perils. Not only does a quality policy offer the peace of mind while you’re away from home, but it protects your family, home, and finances from suffering in the aftermath of a loss.
For a policy tailored to you, contact Young Insurance, serving Burbank and neighboring cities in California.