Going Away for Holidays? Keep Your House Safe While You're Gone

This can be a hectic time of year, and if you're planning to go away for the holidays, it's all too easy to overlook crisis prevention.

While dashing around packing presents and suitcases, be conscious of any and all safety measures you should take before you start your travels.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office offer these valuable tips for avoiding trouble while you're away:

• Vacation House Check: One of the best ways to protect your home is to be placed on a “house check” program by your local police department or substation. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office provides the service where once a day while homeowners are away a deputy will drive past your house. A form for the house check is available online at oakgov.com/sheriff. For more information, call 248-858-4950 to connect to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. The dispatcher then forwards all house check calls to the appropriate substation, including the . The also offers this vacation safety check and can be reached at (248) 651-9621.
• Spare key: Emergencies happen; so with that in mind, leave a spare key with a friend you trust in case something goes wrong in your home while you’re away. Also, even if a local police department is keeping an eye on your home, it's a good idea to have a neighbor keep a lookout as well.
• Look lived in: Making the house look occupied is key. Officials recommend using timers, set to your family's typical routine, for lights and even radios. Hiring someone to pick up the mail is advisable. An extra car parked in the driveway helps create this appearance as well.
• Don't share: Social media can be great to catch up with friends and notify the public about an upcoming event, but it can also be a forum that notifies criminals when people will and will not be at their house. Likewise, do not detail your travel plans on your answering machine or voicemail.
• Lock it up: Of course, make sure doors and windows are completely secured and locked and that all alarms are activated. Be sure to lock the door between your house and garage, too.