Everyone enjoys getting away from it all for a while. People need a break from work or other routines. Vacations also provide a good time to bond with the family. But it is important to keep the safety of your home in mind when you are away.

Your home is your safe haven; it is where you are most comfortable and relaxed, so when someone violates that space, it’s a big deal. And it happens more than you think. Houses and apartments in the United States today are struck by burglars on average once every 20 seconds. Burglars are attracted to homes that seem to have no activity. Police refer to these homes as “targets of opportunities.”

There are so many things that you can do to keep your home safe; there is absolutely no reason that someone unwelcome should be in your home, especially when you are away trying to enjoy yourself with your family. Avoid becoming a victim.

Make a list to remind yourself of everything you have to do before your departure. Arrange for police to check on your home periodically while you are away. Double-check all the locks and windows before your departure. Also, make sure that the exterior doesn’t give any clues of your absence; have your neighbors retrieve any mail, packages and newspapers that may build up. Keep small lights on in rooms, such as bathrooms and hallways, so that the house does not come off as unoccupied. If your family has more than one car, leave one parked and locked in the driveway. You want your home to have a “lived in” appearance while you are away so that no one gets the idea that you’re gone, except for your neighbors who were asked to watch the house. Make sure they can reach you in case of an emergency.

Although it is advisable to tell the police and a trusty neighbor of your planned absence, do not tell everyone. Although no one wants this to happen to them, burglary is a recurring thing, and it happens on a daily basis. The only way to prevent it, is you! Take precautions, think ahead, have a plan.