Intercept Home Watch - Do's & Don'ts

EXTENDED ABSENCE CHECKLIST

There are some precautions we recommend when you are going to be away for an extended period of time, such as a family vacation.

- The trusted neighbor with the clearest view of your home is the most important to advise. Be careful not to broadcast the fact you will be away for an extended period.

- If practical, we recommend valuables be removed from your home. Small valuables and identification documentation should be stored in a safety deposit box.

- Extra keys that may normally be "hidden" for your convenience while you are occupying your home regularly should be secured.

- Use timers to activate lights and radios at various time intervals and mount motion activated lighting over dark areas.

- In Summer, assure that your lawn is cut; In Winter, that your walk and driveway are clear of snow. Not only does this support evidence that your home is occupied, but the Police and Fire Authorities in the event of an emergency wil have safe and efficient access.

-Where possible, cancel deliveries. If unable to do so, please contact Intercept Home Watch to arrange to meet your supplier(s).

- Have Intercept Home Watch assure that your home and exterior buildings are secure on a regular basis. (This may be a requirement to keep your insurance policy in effect; check with your broker,agent or company representative.)

Intercept may be loosely defined as “a pre-emptive act to a potential situation”.

We consider you not only our clients, but also our neighbors. We want you and your family safe and secure… and we have a few recommendations for your safety and peace of mind.

Do	Change smoke detector batteries twice a year.
Do	Have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen area and a carbon dioxide detector on your main floor. Consider the installation of collapsible ladders on the second floor for evacuation.
Do Not	Leave garden sheds and garages unlocked, as many of the tools we use can and are used to gain illegal entry to your home.
Do Not	Plant large shrubs along unlit or low visibility areas of your home that may block basement windows. You are creating a hidden area where criminals can work in relative comfort and anonymity.
Do	Have an evacuation plan in place for your family. Identify a “meet” location in close proximity to your home and away from the danger.
Do	Make photocopies of all identification cards, permits, credit cards, licenses, and insurance policies. Keep these copies with a trusted family member, friend or neighbor. In the event of a major loss ( i.e. fire ), you will find having this information at your fingertips invaluable.
Do Not	Forget to contact Intercept Home Watch to act as your representative during your absence.

If any and/or all of these Do’s and Don’ts provide you and your family with additional confidence in your safety and security, then we, at Intercept Home Watch have achieved an important part of our goal.