— Arrange with a neighbor to watch your house while you are away. Give them a key, and tell them how to reach you. Give them your auto license number if you will be driving. Be sure you have their phone number.
— Put newspapers on hold and stop mail delivery. Have a neighbor check daily for door-hanger ads.
— Remove small valuables and cash from your home.
— Have your grass cut and watered while you are away. In winter, have your driveway and walkways cleared of snow.
— Notify the Huntley Police Department at 847-515-1311 of your departure and return dates. Give them the name of the person to notify in case of an emergency.
— Leave your shades in a normal daytime position, so that neighbors and police can see into your home.
— Connect a lamp to a timer so it will turn on in the evening. Leave a radio playing so it will appear that someone is home. Unplug other electrical appliances, especially computers and TVs.
— Set your thermostat at 80 degrees in summer and 55 degrees in winter. Turn off the main water source.
— Check all window and door locks to be sure they are secured. Secure all sliding doors. Set the lock function on your garage door opener so it cannot be opened from outside your home.
— Never post vacation plans on social networking sites. Instead, share your photos and stories when you return.
