August 2023 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 7
EPPS
By NEIL KENNEDY
Protect your home while traveling
Whether a weekend at the beach or a longawaited road trip , you can enjoy peace of mind while you travel by putting a few extra security measures in place . Whether you simply ask your neighbor to pop in and pick up your mail , or go all out and install a security system , a few simple precautions before you leave will allow you to come back to find your home exactly as you left it .
Here are a few common-sense security tips .
� Have someone keep an eye on your empty home
If you have a friend , family member , or neighbor who you can trust , ask them to drop into your home on a regular basis to ensure that everything is in order . They should be able to attend every few days or so , and be able to go inside to check back doors , windows and any other entrances . Also : Tell you neighbors ! Giving your neighbors the heads up that you are off on vacation is a useful way of making sure that someone is keeping an eye on your home for you , even if they are doing it subconsciously . � Invest in a monitored security system Many homeowners choose to invest in smart security systems like a Ring camera . These can be very effective when you have access to your cell phone . If you are heading somewhere remote , you might consider a monitored home security system that can offer an extra layer of protection . � Stop your mail deliveries You can do this from home by simply visiting the USPS website and filling in a short form online . They will stop mail from being delivered to your address and hold it for you until you get back . You should also pause any other regular deliveries that you receive ( including monthly subscriptions ) if you are planning to be away for a longer period of time . � Set a timer for your lights You can keep your house looking lived in by setting a timer for your lights . You can order timers online or pick them up in your local hardware store . Simply plug in your lights and set the timer to tell each appliance when to come on . If you would rather , you can even purchase electronic timers with random settings that give a more natural inhabited look , making your home look full of people even when it isn ’ t . If you are one of those people who is into home automation , you can leverage your smart lighting for this . � Keep your plans away from social media Posting pictures of you and your family sunning themselves hundreds of miles from home is an open invitation to would-be burglars and those who intend to do you no good . Checking in at the airport may seem like a cool way to flex on Facebook , but , in reality , it ’ s just telling people your home will be empty for the next week or so . Keep your photos and memories to share privately , or post after your return ( if you must ).
You may also want to double-down and make sure that your home address isn ’ t accessible via your social media pages and delete any posts or party invites that contain your phone number . Nobody needs to know any of that stuff anyway , apart from those you know and trust who won ’ t be looking on Facebook for it . � Lock up your valuables This should be pretty obvious , but your most treasured possessions are more vulnerable when you are not there to look after them . Just in case somebody is able to find their way through your external security measures , you should always ensure that your expensive or sentimental items are locked away in a safe , hidden lockbox , or other secure space before you leave for your vacation . Hint : Lock boxes and safes should be secured to the foundation or studs of the home so that they cannot be carried off . � Consider your curtains As strange as this may sound , your curtains , blinds and shutters tell a story of their own to anyone who is watching your home with a view to gaining entry . If you usually leave your shutters half-open , or blinds rolled up , suddenly shutting them all will giving your house a locked-down look that will scream “ vacant ” to anyone who is interested . As much as possible , keep your curtains , blinds and shutters in a similar position to how they usually would be . � Don ’ t stash your key For many of us living in relatively safe communities , surrounded by trusted friends and neighbors , it can be tempting to leave a key hidden outside your property just in case someone needs to pop in for you . Don ’ t do this — and especially don ’ t do this when you are going away for an extended period of time . Plant pots , doormats , and even gutters are easy prey for potential criminals , and there is no hiding place you can think of that they won ’ t investigate when trying to break into your home . Leave your keys with a friend or family member instead . If you need to have a key outside the home , use a real estate type lockbox and have it hidden out of site . � Disconnect your garage door If you have an electric garage door that is opened by using a remote , disconnect it before you go . Most garages have direct access into your home , and if a thief can hack the electronic signal , they can be in your home quick as a flash . Plus , they can help himself to any of the valuables ( including your car ) that you keep hidden in your garage . Your door from the garage into the home should be treated as another entry door , i . e . solid core or steel , reinforced frame , jamb and strikes with a deadbolt .
Neil Kennedy is the community safety coordinator .
How close is SpringRidge ? You can almost reach it in two .
Okay , that ’ s a bit of an exaggeration . But SpringRidge is still tantalizingly close to the Charbonneau Golf Club . It ’ s just 704 yards away — a dogleg left , if you will .
It truly is a great location to live for golfers and non-golfers alike . In fact , most folks can ’ t help but feel a bit inspired when surrounded by the tree-lined beauty of the Charbonneau District . Oh , let ’ s not forget FREE GOLF !
And the community itself ? With its spectacular views and amenities straight out of a resort , you can bet your 5-iron it ’ ll feel like home . And assisted living services are always available if needed .
We invite you to see for yourself . To schedule your complimentary lunch and tour , please call 503.694.9738 .
CARF-ACCREDITED LUXURY INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE RESIDENCES
32200 SW French Prairie Road • Wilsonville SpringRidgeatCharbonneau . com • 503.694.9738
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