The Allstate Blog » Home Security

7 College Winter Break Safety Tips

Frank Rivera, ADT — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:45:37 +0000

Heading home for winter break becomes something of a ritual for many college kids. Students finish their exams, say goodbye to their friends for a few weeks, and prepare for a return to doing chores, coming home before their parents’ curfew, and sleeping in. But, all too often, students head home without realizing the best way to protect the things they’re leaving behind. When locking the doors and closing the blinds aren’t enough, here is a list of college winter break safety tips to help your son or daughter leave any worries about their apartment behind:

Create the illusion that someone is home

A favorite of homeowners, this is a tactic that works for apartment dwellers, as well. Connect lights, the radio and even the TV to an automatic timer that can be used to vary the on/off pattern of interior lights when your child is away.

Recruit a trusted neighbor

If your son or daughter is going home for an extended period of time, a friend or neighbor can help pick up the mail, park a car in the driveway or even shovel some snow—all creating the appearance that someone is home.

Make the last person to leave do a double-check

If your son or daughter lives with other students, a good security tip is to discuss who will be leaving last, and then make sure that person is willing and able to double-check all windows and doors, turn on any automatic timers and put away or cover up any common-area valuables, such as gaming systems or big-screen TVs.

Keep utilities in mind

In cold-weather areas, pipes can freeze, crack and cause water damage. If they don’t have a flood alarm, talk with your college students about ways they can safeguard their home or apartment by keeping the heat inside their temporarily unoccupied apartment to at least 58 degrees. Also, windows should be completely closed; a one-inch opening near a pipe can be enough to cause it to freeze and break.

Care for a car that’s left behind

Students who are carpooling home and leaving their vehicle back at school for winter break should park in a well-lit area or secure location and remove all valuables (GPS, small electronics, etc.) from the car. Talk to them about electing a friend who is staying behind at school to start the car, so that it's not sitting idle.

Keep good records

Students should consider taking small items, such as personal safes, jewelry boxes, electronics and laptops, home with them during college winter break. If they must leave items of value behind, recording the serial numbers, brand names and date and price of purchases, and taking a few pictures of their valuables will help authorities identify their property in the event of a theft or a natural disaster.

Don't go back with family heirlooms

Many students like to come back to school after winter break with a memento or special reminder from their homes. All too often, these reminders have a certain priceless value attached to them. Explain to your children that they shouldn’t bring anything back to school that they can’t afford to live without. Of course, not everyone goes home for college winter break. If your son or daughter is enrolling in a winter session or chooses to stay on campus, be sure they do so with extra precaution. Campus crowds and campus security may be a little light during this time, so added awareness is imperative. Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Services. Recommended by the editors:

Keep Home Security in Mind When Hiring a Contractor

Frank Rivera, ADT — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:31:53 +0000

Homeowners know all too well that appliances break, pipes leak, and sometimes home upgrades and repairs are a necessity. While we all wish we had a neighbor like Bob Vila, the reality is sometimes we need to hire the help of a home contractor to do the work for us. But giving a stranger free access to your home can sometimes be a cause for concern. With the proper preparations and some basic home security tips, though, hiring a reputable home improvement contractor doesn't have to be an intimidating task.

Know what to look for in a home contractor

Asking around for a contractor is easier now, thanks in part to the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List, which are excellent online resources for checking contractors' customer service ratings. When the contractor arrives, he should be in full uniform, in a marked van or truck, and able to provide proper identification with all the necessary permits and insurance documents. Quality assurance is important when having any work done. Ask ahead of time for some pictures of recently completed work or for a list of places in the area where they have done business. This will help give you a better idea of the quality of work you can expect from this contractor. Contractors work hand in hand with suppliers and subcontractors. It’s a good idea to ask the contractor how he vets the suppliers and subcontractors he works with. It can also be helpful speak to those suppliers and subcontractors, as well. Make sure they are being paid and are comfortable working with the contractor.

Preparation can make the experience smoother

Because a contractor frequently needs to go in and out of the house, you should direct the contractor to use a specific entrance, and explain what rooms are off limits. If you know the home repair contractor will be working in one room specifically, make sure it’s easily accessible. Avoid damage by putting away any valuables that may be accidentally knocked over or broken. And, be aware of what you’re asking for. For example, if you are having a home alarm system installed, tell the contractor where you want the main console. It’s easier for the home contractor to do his or her job when you express exactly what your expectations are. If you know what kind of materials or appliances you want used, do your research and give that information to your contractor. Another great tip is to ask questions and ultimately sign off on a written proposal before any work is started. Set up a pay schedule that assures you aren’t paying everything up front and never make the final payment until you receive a signed lien-waiver releasing you from any potential third-party claims. In any economy, the hiring of a good home contractor can save you a lot of time and money. Knowing the right questions to ask and going the extra mile to prepare for their arrival will make screening a home repair contractor a worthwhile experience

Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Systems.

3 Must-Know Dorm Room Security and Fire Safety Tips

Frank Rivera, ADT — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 11:00:09 +0000

Safety in the dorm room may not be the first thought on a new college student’s mind, but as a parent it should be your main concern. While dormitories are a great place to meet new friends and socialize, they can also be dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken. With a solid security plan and some safeguards in place, you can prepare your child to stay safe in their home away from home.

Have a Personal Security Plan

Every college has campus security and you should make sure your child knows exactly how to get in touch with them. Most schools offer orientation and guided tours of the campus. With a personal security plan in mind, make this a perfect opportunity to discover the fastest routes to the security office and to make sure you get the correct emergency numbers to dial. Once your child knows their schedule, it’s very important that they share that information with you and someone they really trust as part of the security plan. Planning different walking routes between classes and their dorm is a great way to protect your child from being followed. Security awareness is crucial. Dorm rooms have a lot of visitor traffic. Explain to your child that if they feel unsafe or see anything suspicious happening, it is better for them to contact campus security immediately rather than let the issue go on.

Doom Room Security Products

Freshmen don’t always have the luxury of knowing who they will be rooming with. In order to protect against this uncertainty you may need some dorm room security products such as room safes, insurance, and laptop locks to keep your things safe. Room safes can be as inconspicuous as a book or can blend in to a drawer without notice. Locking up jewelry, checkbooks, and other valuables when not around can deter would-be snatch and grab thieves. If your student is a musician or has expensive jewelry or sporting equipment, insurance can help recover the value of stolen or destroyed items and costs much less than replacing them yourself. Valuables that don’t fit in a safe or are uninsurable could benefit from something as simple as labeling. Labeled items help solve ownership disputes and act as a simple but effective theft deterrent.

Fire Safety

Accidents in crowded dorms can often lead to fire mishaps. Smoke alarms should be working and checked regularly. Hairdryers, curling irons and straighteners should be unplugged when not in use and should never be left unattended. In some older buildings, replacing high wattage light bulbs with energy efficient or lower wattage light bulbs can prevent overheating and fire. Candles can be the most dangerous item in a dorm room. A lot of colleges do not allow the use of candles in dorm rooms but for those that do, watch and wait for an extra second or two to ensure that the blown out candle doesn’t reignite. Extinguish all flames when not in the room or before going to bed. Some simple, common-sense fire safety precautions can keep everyone safe from common accidents. We can never be 100 percent certain that our kids will be safe in the dorm room, but with proper planning and the right conversations, we can ensure they will have the tools for basic safety when away at school.

Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Systems.

Photo courtesy of collegelifestyles.org

Survival Tips: How to Prepare for a Power Outage

Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:00:52 +0000

Hundreds of thousands of people are currently without power in the wake of Hurricane Isaac, which is pounding the Gulf Coast with wind and rain. But did you know that, on any given day in America, at least a half million people are without power? Clearly, a power outage in some form is inevitable. So it makes sense to plan for one now instead of scrambling for a flashlight when the lights go out. Consider these four categories when planning and preparing for a power outage emergency:

Sanitation

When the power goes out, some pretty important appliances stop working, and that includes your hot water heater. If the power is out for more than a few hours, you’ll need a way to heat water in order to sanitize dishes, eating utensils, and do laundry (along with purifying water, if necessary). Have at least two ways to heat water and cook food that don’t rely on electric power. A solar oven is a great choice on sunny days, and a fuel-efficient outdoor rocket stove, such as the Stove-Tec Rocket Stove, will get the job done in any type of weather.

Sustenance

Americans have likely lost billions of dollars’ worth of refrigerated and frozen food due to power failures over the past few decades. Once food has warmed to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for two or more hours, it’s no longer safe to consume. But if you fill empty beverage bottles with water and freeze them, you can prolong the cold temperatures in your fridge and freezer. When the power goes out, the bottles will help keep food cool longer; keep several in the freezer, and place several more in the fridge. A thermometer will let you know whether or not the food is in the safe-to-eat zone. You should also store at least a week’s worth of food that doesn’t require refrigeration and is very simple to prepare. Jerky, dried and canned fruit, nuts, granola bars, peanut butter, fruit/applesauce cups, V-8 juice, and tuna packs all pack a nutritious punch without requiring any cooking. You’ll find a comprehensive list of handy no-cook foods here. For food that needs to be cooked, fire up the grill or a stove alternative. Be sure to store enough fuel and/or wood, if necessary.

Survival

This category covers anything and everything that will insure your basic survival in the event of an extended power outage. It will take some time to assemble everything you need, so ask yourself the following: How will you stay cool in the summer without air conditioning? (battery-powered fans are one option) How will you stay warm in the winter without power? Blankets and even bubble wrap can be used to insulate windows. You should also have a plan for living in just one or two rooms during a long-term outage; this will minimize the area that has to be heated. How will you see in the dark? You’ll need several light sources, including flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns. Store extra batteries for anything that is battery-powered. How will you stay in touch with people and get necessary information? Invest in a good quality emergency radio that is battery powered. If it comes with a solar charger, that’s even better. Does a generator make sense in your circumstances? Or could it make you a target for thieves? Other helpful items can be found on this survival basics checklist.

Sanity

When the power goes out, it can really be a test to keep your wits about you because suddenly there is no TV, video games, or computer. Have a supply of board games, jigsaw puzzles, a deck of cards or two, and a few books that haven’t been read yet. A battery-powered dock for your iPod will bring hours of entertainment to the music lovers in your family. Have young kids? Stock up on a few sets of earplugs! Power outages can take us by surprise, and they can be scary to both children and adults alike. Make preparations to keep your family protected in an emergency today to insure peace and readiness tomorrow! Are you prepared for the next big storm? Sign up for Allstate’s weather alerts to stay in-the-know. Celebrate National Preparedness Month throughout September with Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom! New resources, webinars, contests, and giveaways will give you new ideas and motivation to ‘get ready for anything!’ You might also like:

How to Assess the Security Risks of an Apartment Building

Frank Rivera, ADT — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:00:34 +0000

Some people feel property ownership is an integral part of the American Dream, while others are staunch advocates for the flexibility and convenience that comes along with renting. But one thing that apartment dwellers and home buyers have in common, though, is an interest in determining the security risks of a property before moving in. Here’s what to consider before you sign on the dotted line:

Apartment Security Checklist

How secure is the parking area? Dedicated parking for the apartment complex is an advantage, but if an intruder can simply waltz in on foot, it’s not very secure parking. Underground parking may be better, but the same rule applies. And, if you have to walk through an underground garage before getting to an elevator or stairwell, you might ask whether there is a security guard to help ensure your safety. How long of a walk is it from the parking area to the front door? And what are the potential threats along the way? It’s a good idea to check during the day and at night, as you might discover things that escaped your notice the first time. Look for darkened walkways or blind spots, dense shrubbery or courtyards that are accessible to the public. (Trespassers are curiously undeterred by “no trespassing” signs.) How far into the building can you get without a key? If the lobby has a security door that can only be entered with a key or pass code, that’s a good thing. On the other hand, if it’s easy to catch the door as someone else leaves, a pass code is worthless. Also, find out if there is a guard on duty and if security cameras are installed (real ones, not empty boxes with blinking lights!). With security cameras becoming more affordable, there is no excuse for an apartment building not to have them—at the very minimum—in the lobby. Is the apartment entry a steel door with a deadbolt? Wood doors with a quaint, old-fashioned chain and a button-lock on the knob are no match for a determined crook. Ask the landlord whether the locks have been changed and request to see a receipt for it, if possible. Can window latches – particularly on first-floor apartments – be defeated using the ‘ole credit card trick? If there is a balcony, can it be accessed from the ground by shimmying up the railing or from another neighbor’s balcony? This is why sliding glass doors should have high quality locking mechanisms. Look for fire alarms and sprinklers. New apartment buildings are required to have them, but if you’re considering an old building, make sure these items have been updated. A security alarm system is advantageous, but if there isn’t one, ask the landlord what the rules are for installing one for your own apartment. Is the storage facility or garage secure? Or, is it accessible by the next tenant over? Also, carefully peruse amenities such as laundry areas, workout rooms and the swimming pool to ensure they don’t allow access to outsiders. Who can see into your apartment? Look out the windows of the same unit you’re considering and determine who can see into your apartment (including other units within the complex) and who can monitor the property from outside. Remember that apartment security concerns include other residents, as well as outsiders. And it goes without saying that you should always secure your personal belongings. It may sound strange, but when assessing your apartment, you should try putting yourself in the mindset of a criminal. Ask yourself, “If I was a (burglar, mugger, predator, peeping tom, etc.), how would I take action?” It may feel silly initially, but you’ll quickly understand: The point of considering the security risks of an apartment is not to indulge in paranoia, but to sleep well at night, knowing you’ve already put your safety first. Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Systems. You might also like:

5 Things to Know About a Neighborhood Before You Buy a Home

Mary Boone, Zillow — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:15:08 +0000

You just bought the cutest house in the quietest neighborhood — or so you thought. Unfortunately, you did your house hunting in the winter, and now that the weather has warmed up you’re realizing the street is populated with teenagers who blast music through open windows and dozens of kids who routinely race their bikes through your yard. In the National Association of Realtors' 2010 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, buyers ranked quality of neighborhood (64 percent) as the most important consideration when selecting a place to live. While it may not be possible to know everything there is to know about your neighborhood before you move in, a thorough investigation will help ensure you are moving into the right environment. Be sure your research includes these important criteria:

Crime rates

Visit crimereports.com, a website that provides visitors with free up-to-the-minute crime maps and crime reports for specific areas. The site offers a free mobile download and, if you choose, will send free crime alerts on a regular basis. Also, make time to talk to the community resource officer for the area. Your city may have a different title for this position, but it’s essentially someone who works as a liaison between the police and neighborhoods. Your community officer can provide information about property and violent crime trends for an area and may even be able to provide crime report printouts. For small communities, you may need to check directly with the police department.

National Sex Offender Database

The police will be able to provide information about registered sex offenders living nearby. You should also check out FamilyWatchdog.us, a free database that allows you to search by street name or city. The site provides information — often including a photograph —about offenders living in the neighborhood.

Noise and traffic

Your home search may not span months, so that you can learn about summertime vs. wintertime noise. But you should plan to visit the neighborhood at all times of the day and night. Check out traffic patterns during rush hour. Are some streets more dangerous because of this traffic? What’s the neighborhood like at midnight on a Saturday? Is there a church nearby that eats up all the Sunday morning parking? Are you so close to the airport that you hear the roar of planes? Talk to multiple neighbors: Does the neighboring park host festivals that might create parking and noise issues? Ask when they think the neighborhood is at its wildest and, if at all possible, make a visit at that time.

Schools

You don’t have children, so why should neighborhood schools matter? Two main reasons: You may have children in the future, and good schools ensure consistent demand for properties — and higher resale prices. Websites such as Education.com and GreatSchools.net allow you to search schools by ZIP code, city, district or school name. These sites provide information about test scores, student-to-teacher ratios, student demographics and more. Because private schools aren’t required to release test scores, the sites provide fewer statistics about them. Ask neighbors for their thoughts on area schools and conduct Internet searches for articles and reviews about them.

Public services

When you drive through a potential neighborhood, do you see signs that the city is having financial trouble? Are streets clean and well maintained? Are parks clean? Are there sidewalks? Is public transportation available nearby? Where are the nearest police and fire stations? Have libraries been shuttered? Declining property tax rolls have forced many towns to cut back on public services. Are you comfortable with the level of services available in this neighborhood? An outdated kitchen or bath can always be remodeled, but neighborhoods are more difficult to change. Do your homework so you end up buying a home in a location that’s right for you and your family. You Might Also Like:

Mary Boone is a writer for Zillow, a home and real estate marketplace dedicated to helping homeowners, buyers, sellers, renters, real estate agents, mortgage professionals, landlords and property managers find and share vital information about homes, real estate and mortgages.

6 Steps to Reducing Those Annoying False Alarms at Home

Frank Rivera, ADT — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 10:00:50 +0000

False alarms on a home security system can be just as bad as no alarm at all. Just ask city dwellers if they run outside in their slippers every time they hear a car alarm go off. Of course not! The frequency of these (often benign) events has desensitized most people to the sound. But, with more and more people seeing the value of a home alarm system, false alarms can create real problems.

What if your home alarm system had frequent false alarms?

For one, it compromises local police by sending units out on wild goose chases, diverting them from actual emergencies. Some municipalities have begun issuing fines for frequent false alarms and are even denying service to a household or business with continued offenses. There’s also the risk that, as with car alarms, frequent accidental alarms on a home security system can desensitize your family—leading you to ignore what might actually be a threat. All too often, though, an accidental alarm is caused by something pretty simple.

What can you do to reduce false alarms?

Review the operating manual and take time to educate everyone with access to your home on proper system operation.
Be familiar with the steps to cancel an accidental alarm. In some instances, your alarm company will contact you to verify an alarm before summoning authorities.
Check your alarm battery backup, as low-battery voltage is the second most common cause of accidental alarms.
Regularly check alarm contact switches/magnets on doors and windows; if there is any damage or if they’re coming loose, you’ll need to call your alarm system provider for service adjustments.
Have the settings on any glass-break detectors verified, so that loud noises like thunder (or that obnoxious bass booming from a car on the street) will not trigger an alarm.
Aim any motion detectors away from air vents, sources of heat, fireplaces and windows.

Home alarm systems can improve your home’s security and provide a great feeling of confidence. But it can also be pretty embarrassing to have a swarm of police cars surround your house simply because you forgot to tell your spouse you changed the alarm code. Rather than risk a fine or have a legitimate alarm ignored, you can take a few simple steps to prevent false alarms from ever being an inconvenience—for you or the authorities.

Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Systems.

The 4 Survival Skills Every Kid Should Know

Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:25:56 +0000

Some of outdoor adventurer Bear Grylls’ biggest fans are kids. Their eyes widen at his derring-do, and boys and girls alike admire his survival skills and savvy. But the survival skills that are more likely to keep our kids safe and sound are actually far more mundane! Here are four survival skills that every kid should know, along with a few tips for parents.

What to do if lost

A lost child is a scared child, and usually their first instinct is to begin searching for their family. Train your children to stop and sit as soon as they realize they are lost. Assure them that, no matter how scared they might be, you are searching for them at that very moment; but also that, if they keep moving around, it will take longer to find them. Consider equipping your children with an inexpensive cell phone and when venturing outdoors, a few survival items tucked in a backpack or their pockets. Items such as a whistle, a bright bandana and a bottle of water are the makings of a kids’ survival kit that will go a long way to helping them be found more quickly.

How to answer the door when home alone

Usually the best strategy is to not answer the door! Yes, the person knocking could be a burglar scoping out the neighborhood. But once the door is opened, it’s that much easier for an intruder to enter. And children are easily overpowered. Train your child to enforce home security: Keep doors and windows locked and blinds and curtains closed. Noise from a TV or radio is fine. Someone with questionable motives will think twice about entering a home if they hear noises inside, even if the house is closed up and no one answers the door.

What to do in a medical emergency

From a young age, kids can learn how to dial 911 and report an emergency, but this takes practice. Spend some time rehearsing phone calls, teaching your children to relay detailed information to an operator, follow his or her instructions, and then stay on the line until help arrives. If possible, children should also get the home ready for the arrival of EMTs by putting pets in closed areas and, if it’s nighttime, turning on both indoor and outdoor lights. Summer is an ideal time for children to take first aid and CPR classes, that are typically suitable for kids age 9 and up.

How to maintain situational awareness

When driving in the car, for instance, ask your kids to describe a building or vehicle you just passed. Teach them to pay attention to the route home by asking them to give you driving directions!

This one skill can help your child avoid many dangerous situations. The concept is simply for children to be aware of the people and events around them. Parents can help their children become more observant and aware—not by scaring them, but by playing games to teach and practice this skill. When driving in the car, for instance, ask your kids to describe a building or vehicle you just passed. Teach them to pay attention to the route home by asking them to give you driving directions! Tell them to close their eyes and describe what someone in the room is wearing. Encourage them to check out the license plates of passing cars: Which states are they from? What is the sum of the numbers on the license plate? Being aware of their surroundings will help them avoid predatory people and other dangerous scenarios. Simple to teach. Fun to practice. And, quite possibly, a life saver.

Lisa Bedford is the author of Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst Case Scenarios and editor of www.thesurvivalmom.com blog.

You might also like:

The 7-Item Safety Checklist for Home Buyers

Frank Rivera, ADT — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:06:34 +0000

Home safety isn’t necessarily the first thing you think about when moving from one house into another. Sure, you had a home inspector check the property before the sale, but his inspection was likely not exhaustive—and not every defect will have been found. To help guide you in running your own evaluation, we've put together a home safety checklist for easing your mind of safety concerns when settling into your new home:

Door Locks – After taking title of your home, the very first thing you should do is change the door locks, and install secure deadbolts if there aren’t any. You don’t know how many people were given spare keys by the previous owners. New locks will deter any “drop-in” visitors.
Electrical – Circuit test every outlet to determine that they are indeed grounded and operating correctly; doing so will help prevent an instance of fire or electric shock. There are a variety of outlet testers to choose from. No kitchen forks!
Plumbing – Do all faucets have good water pressure and all drains clear? Check the pipes, wherever visible, for corrosion and leakage. Consider also having the water tested for contaminants—it can be money well spent.
Heating/Ventilation – Change the furnace and A/C filters, and make sure that ducts aren’t full of dust bunnies and registers are not blocked. Some very old homes have ducts wrapped in asbestos. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos removal may not be necessary; if it’s in good condition, it is frequently best left untouched.
Lead paint – If the house you’ve purchased was built before 1978, there is a possibility that it may have lead-based paint, which can cause a range of health effects from behavioral problems and learning disabilities to seizures and even death. If you suspect that it might be lead paint, test it with an EPA-certified lead test kit and be sure to hire a lead-safe certified contractor to deal with the problem.
Chemicals and Flammables – As you unpack, quickly find a secure home for cleaning agents, solvents, paint and other hazards that children might come in contact with. Flammables are another concern—and it’s not just liquids like gasoline that you need to be worried about. After a move, you’ll have plenty of cardboard boxes sitting around, so keep them away from the stove and other ignition sources. Recycle them as soon as practical.
Fire Alarms – Test all smoke alarms (there should be at least one on each level of the house), and consider adding a carbon monoxide detector, if there isn’t one.

As a final closing step, get down on the floor and look around. What would your children or pets encounter that escapes your notice when standing? Sharp edged tabled, doors that swing into walkways, tripping hazards—there are plenty of things you might discover. A little time spent on improving home safety at the beginning will make your home ownership a happier experience by keeping you healthier and (hopefully!) accident free. Best wishes in your new abode!

Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Systems.

5 Social Media Strategies to Deter Burglary, Theft

Brendan — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:13:35 +0000

Tweeting pics from your tropical vacation? Sharing your weekend plans on Facebook? You may want to think twice before you hit “Post.” Sure, it’s fun to share snapshots of your margaritas on the beach (and make the folks back home jealous), but advertising your vacation on social networking sites is a recipe for theft and burglary. And it’s not just your vacation plans that can cause problems. Over-sharing details (“Watching the game on our new 60-inch LCD TV!”) gives would-be burglars tempting information about your new electronics and can even lead to identity theft. Less than a decade ago, answering machine messages like “You’ve reached the Jones’ but we can’t take your call, we’re hitting the slopes this weekend!” could move your home to the top of a burglar’s target list. Now, Facebook and Twitter postings do the same.

Over the last few years, anecdotal evidence increasingly points to a connection between sharing whereabouts on social media with an increase in burglaries.

Over the last few years, anecdotal evidence increasingly points to a connection between sharing whereabouts on social media with an increase in burglaries. And while there’s no hard data measuring this spike, safety experts from the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia have all warned social media users to re-think their sharing habits. A 2010 Australian study found 16 percent of users update social media daily with their whereabouts. Another study by the Association of British Insurers found that 40 percent of users post holiday plans online and more than 30 percent share their ordinary weekend plans. Social media is a great way to stay in touch with old and new friends. By taking a few precautions, you can still share those margarita vacation photos – and find your house and belongings just as you left them when you return.

Check your social media privacy settings.

Facebook has made a number of privacy changes in the last year, and your settings may no longer be keeping you safe. From the top menu bar, click ‘Home’ -> ‘Privacy Settings.’ Be sure you are ONLY sharing with your “Friend” list – and are not posting anything that can be seen by “Public” (i.e., the entire world).

Control your Facebook tag settings.

Even if you lockdown your profile from the whole world, friends can still tag you in posts or photos—exposing you to potential security risks. Manage how others tag you in posts by checking your tag settings under “How Tags Work.” Turn on “Tag Review” and edit your “Maximum Timeline Visibility”. You can choose from a pre-set list (see instructions for creating one below), or simply limit a few people – that way a potential burglar won’t see that your friend just tagged you on the beach in Jamaica.

Clean up your friend list.

If you’re like me, you likely have high school classmates, casual acquaintances and former colleagues that you have not spoken to in years taking up space on your friend list. While Facebook is great for making big announcements, remember that everything you say is a potential privacy invasion. Advertising your travel details or expensive purchases to 400 of your “nearest and dearest” is neither smart nor safe.

Take a few minutes right now to create a “Close Friends” list.

On the left side of your home screen, click “Lists” (it will appear after favorites, apps and groups). Click the ‘Create List’ button. Type in a name for your list and add your closest friends. You can also create separate lists for professional colleagues, friends on your weekend Skee Ball team, or any group with which you’d like to share limited information. Now, when you post a photo or status update, you can quickly choose the appropriate list and limit with whom you share information.

Think twice before you post or check-in.

Whether you’re checking in on Foursquare or tweeting photos from the beach, once you put it out in cyberspace, you lose control. Checking in can be fun, but doing so is also a public declaration of your whereabouts. Use common sense, and be sure your check-ins are only shared with a select group of friends, rather than publicly displayed. Emailing a photo, sending a text message and picking up the phone are safer, personal and more meaningful ways to communicate. Remember, there's no such thing as "total social media privacy.”