Thanksgiving isn’t just a time for food and festive decorations—it’s also a time to bond with family and friends, something many people around the country typically look forward to. Some people only have to go a few blocks for Thanksgiving dinner; others may host the dinner in their own home, and for others, celebrating Thanksgiving means driving several hours or flying out of state. Traveling can leave your home vulnerable to crime, and perhaps, the need for crime scene trauma cleanup. If you don’t want to have to worry about the safety of your home (and any possessions inside it), read the following tips. Should you have any questions after you’re done reading, call ServiceMaster Professional Cleaning and Restoration at (610) 524-8003.
Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Keep Watch
Before you leave for your holiday (or any) trip, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your home. Someone may be able to bring in your mail, close and open your curtains or blinds, and other actions that make it look like someone is in the house. Depending on the circumstances, this person may be able to housesit for you and keep the house “active” by living in it while you’re gone. Should something suspicious happen, your neighbors who have been alerted that you are away, can contact the police on your behalf. If you have a neighborhood watch group, be sure to contact them about your travel plans too.
Hide Possessions if Possible
Keep expensive items such as televisions and electronics away from windows. If this isn’t possible, keep your curtains or blinds closed so criminals can’t look inside and see the “goods.”
Lock Up Everything
Don’t leave anything to chance: Lock up all windows, even if they’re on the second floor, and check that all doors are secure. If you don’t want a criminal to get inside your home and leave a mess that requires professional trauma cleanup or fire damage restoration assistance, be as thorough as you can. This includes locking down your social media accounts, which means don’t post pictures advertising that you’re away from your home. You’ll have plenty of time to post when you get back.
Contact ServiceMaster Professional Cleaning and Restoration of Malvern, PA, for professional trauma cleanup help. We can be reached online or call us by phone at (610) 524-8003.