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Vacation Safety Tips


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AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 30, 2016 -- With the arrival of spring comes vacation planning. Whether it's a family getaway during April or May or preparing for summer travel plans, the fun and excitement of vacation leaves no room to worry. These seasonal months are meant for travel, with the sun shining and the kids almost out of school, it's the perfect time to escape with family. As homeowners across the country are preparing for vacation, Meemic Insurance Company wants to remind travelers to take precautions to secure their homes while out of town.  

"It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning for a destination and forget about securing what you leave behind," said Meemic Insurance Company spokesperson, Pamela Harlin. "While looking forward to your adventures out on the road, it's equally important to remember to ensure your home and belongings are protected in your absence and take the necessary steps to lower the risk of a break-in while you're away."

Planning for a trip should include preparing safety measures to keep your most expensive possession, your home, protected from burglars. According to the FBI, there were an estimated 8,277,829 property crimes in 2014 including burglaries, larceny-thefts, and motor vehicle thefts reported by law enforcement. Financial losses suffered by victims of these crimes were calculated at approximately $14.3 billion. The following safety tips can help make your house unappealing to intruders:

  • Tell a neighbor: While you're away, have a trustworthy neighbor look after your house. Instruct them to call the police if there is any suspicious activity. It may be best to choose someone who works from home or who is retired to have eyes on your home throughout the day and night.
  • Don't hide a spare key: Having a spare key hidden under the doormat or potted plant is not safe. It provides access to anyone who can find it, including unwanted intruders as it's a common place to hide a key. Instead, give a key to a trusted neighbor and have them check on your house while you are gone.
  • Maintain your lawn: An overgrown lawn is a red flag for burglars. It's a clear sign that no one is home to take care of the yard. If you plan to be gone for an extended period of time, be sure to have someone mow your lawn and keep an eye on other yard maintenance.
  • Set the alarm: If you have a home security system, be sure to turn it on and have it set up to link with your cell phone so you will be alerted if anything happens in your absence.
  • Pretend you are still there: Set your TV, radio and lights, both external and internal, with timers to turn on daily at certain times to give the illusion that someone is still living in the home. Criminals are less likely to enter a house that appears inhabited.

About Meemic Insurance Company
Meemic Insurance Company (www.meemic.com) provides personal lines insurance products solely and exclusively to teachers and other educational employees in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. For more than 65 years, Meemic remains a Michigan-based, teacher-founded company, proud partner of the educational community, committed to offering the finest possible protection, products and services at preferred rates. Trust Meemic for claims excellence, policy payment options to meet your needs and products tailored solely to the educational community we serve. Meemic is a financially strong company (A. M. Best rating effective December 2015). Best of all, by choosing Meemic, you're also supporting fellow educators through The Meemic Foundation for the Future of Education, which provides exclusive educational grants for teachers. Our stability and reputation for integrity builds the confidence of our policyholders and remains the foundation for our continued mission to serve the educational community.