SecuringYourHomeWhileYou'reAway

Even without security devices, you can quickly secure your home. The main object here is to make it look as though you are still at home. Here are a few tips: Use timers, which you can buy at hardware stores and home centers, to turn lights on and off at normal intervals . Plug-in timers, as the name implies, go between the lamp and the receptacle; security timers are wired into your electrical system and can turn overhead lights or appliances on and off up to 24 times a day.

Keep a car parked in the driveway.

Arrange for the lawn to be mowed regularly, as often as you normally do it.

Stop mail and newspaper deliveries, or have a friend retrieve them daily.

Leave the regular recording on your answering machine. It should never include vacation information.

Contact the police to alert them of your absence. They may be willing to drive by your house from time to time.