The heaviest times for travel and time away from home are July, August and holidays. They are also the times when most home break-ins occur. But, you could be vulnerable to a break-in at any time of the year. The following are a few simple precautions to help protect your home and your possessions from falling victim to thieves.

Assess your home

If you forgot your keys and could still manage to get into your home, so could a thief. Start by making a full exterior examination of your house. Make sure all locked doors and window have a tight fit when closed. Check to see if there’s any "wiggle room" that could give a thief enough space to jimmy it open. Walk around your whole property to ensure no ladders are available for use and nothing else can be used to climb to upper floors. Look in your windows to make sure blinds are positioned to screen the interior view, but not closed completely. You may want to move any computers, TVs or valuables away from prying eyes.

Time isn’t everything

Whether you are going away for a month, a weekend get-away or running an errand to the store, leave your house in a secure state. Do not assume that a burglar watching your house isn’t capable of taking what he wants in a few carefully planned moments.

Keep it lively

When you are away from the house, particularly for an extended stay, be sure to make it look lived-in. Put timers on a few lights at varied times; put a timer on a radio set to a talk-radio station; install a dusk/dawn outside light or motion detector; ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and any circulars that might pile up on your doorstep; stop delivery of newspapers or other mail; and arrange to have your lawn mowed (or in winter, snow plowed). In some instances you may want a friend to "house sit" while you’re gone or at least stop by on a regular basis to check on the place.

It’s alarming

In many instances installing a home alarm system will give you protection, a sense of calm and even a discount on your homeowner’s insurance.

Inventory

Walk around the interior of your home and inventory your major possessions. An easy way is to place valuables out on tables and videotape your house, room-to-room of all furniture, paintings and other valuables. Place the list, any photos you took or the video in a safe deposit box or keep it in another safe, off-premises location.

Well that’s obvious

One of the most obvious clichés is the key under the door mat. Keep in mind that most "secret" places you can think of have probably also been thought of by the thief.

Be neighborly

Tell a trusted neighbor on your block that you’ll be away. Activity or noise that might otherwise seem normal to them would be an alarm if they know you are away from home.

Worst case scenario

Be sure you have adequate homeowner’s coverage. Have you made any improvements or purchases that have increased the value of your home or its contents since you got your homeowner’s policy? If so, you may need to upgrade your coverage. The only thing worse than losing your possessions is not being sufficiently covered to recoup your losses.

Note:These tips are designed to help you assess the safety and maintenance of your home and property, and to offer some precautions. Application of any or all of these suggestions may not prevent damage or protect you, or your property from harm. Your knowledge of the situation, use of your common sense and compliance with local and state codes should direct your course of action. These recommendations may or may not have any relationship to your insurance coverage.