OKLAHOMA – With summer just around the corner, many people are preparing to take time off and enjoy the warm weather. According to Travel Agent Central, the summer months are the most popular time of year for vacations, so it’s not surprising that summer is also the most common season for burglaries to take place. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation’s 2020 Uniform Crime reports that the months of July and August have experienced the highest amount of burglaries since 2018.
“It’s very common for people to forget to plan appropriate home security and safety measures before they leave for vacation,” said Gary Buckner, executive vice president and general manager of OKFB Insurance. “Pre-planning home security measures and ensuring your Homeowners or Renters Insurance policies are up to date before a vacation could help protect your home, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip.”
OKFB Insurance is sharing a few ways to help secure your home while you vacation this summer.
Set Timers on Interior Lights – Consider purchasing timers to turn lights and TVs off and on, giving the impression that someone is home. This could go a long way in deterring burglars, who often look for crimes of opportunity.
Don’t Forget to Lock Up – Make sure all doors and windows are locked. This may seem obvious, but double check all entrances to the house are locked, including pet doors and mail slots. If you have an automatic garage door, consider disconnecting the electronic opener and placing a padlock on the garage door track instead.
Watch What You Share on Social Media – Consider waiting until you return home to post photos of your trip. Sharing photos that give away your location is not recommended, even if you think only friends and family are viewing your profiles. Though it may be tempting, burglars often scan social media looking for people who are away from their homes.
Notify Your Alarm Company – If you have an automatic security system in place, inform the company of the dates you plan to be gone. That way, if the alarm goes off while you’re away, the security company knows that it is probably not a false alarm and they need to respond quickly. Always double check that your alarm is set properly before leaving.
Fire Safety and Prevention – One way to prevent hazards like electrical fires or power surges is to unplug all unnecessary electronics such as computers, speakers, lamps, TV’s and kitchen appliances. Also consider checking the batteries in your smoke detectors, as they are crucial for early fire detection.
Along with taking the time to prep your home before you take off, this could also be an opportunity to check in with your insurance agent to ensure your Homeowners or Renters Insurance policy has you covered.
About Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance
Since 1946, OKFB Insurance has worked to protect Oklahomans from the risks they face every day, whether it be home, auto, life, commercial or farm & ranch. With agents in all 77 counties, we are ready to serve our neighbors at a moment’s notice and are committed to helping our 140,000+ member families to insure their future. To learn more, visit https://okfbinsurance.com.
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