Wayzata, MN – Fall 2008 – It’s an unfortunate fact that burglars know how easy it is to break into most houses or apartments. That’s why thieves usually spend less than two minutes trying to get a window or door open before giving up and looking for an easier target.
To help safeguard your home and make it less inviting to burglars, here are some safety tips from Allstate:
- Invest in a home security system.
An alarm system is an excellent deterrent to crime. The system should include a loud siren and motion sensors. Display security system decals on your windows and doors. - Lock all doors and windows when you leave home.
Even if you’re just running out on a short errand, make sure all doors and windows are locked. Deadbolts provide the best security. - Keep window coverings slightly open.
Drapes and shades that are fully closed give a deserted look to your home. - Keep valuables out of sight.
Keep valuables away from the windows so burglars can’t see them from outside. Use an etching tool so valuables are easily identifiable. Prepare a household inventory of all your belongings and write down any serial numbers. - Don’t make it easy for thieves to use your keys.
Don’t hide a key in the mailbox, under the doormat or above the doorway. Don’t put your name and address on your key ring. When valet parking or leaving your car for service, give the attendant only your car key. If you think a former owner or tenant might still have keys to your home, change the locks. - Have your mail held at the post office when you leave town.
Full mailboxes make it clear to burglars that no one is home. Stop newspaper delivery and ask a friend or neighbor to pick up any packages or flyers left outside. - Keep your garage door locked.
Keeping your garage locked is as important as keeping your home locked, especially if the garage is attached. Once inside the garage, a burglar can work uninterrupted at getting into your home. - Don’t tell strangers or casual acquaintances that you’re going out of town.
Although they may seem trustworthy, you’d be surprised how quickly news spreads. - Join a neighborhood watch program or consider starting one.
These programs are designed by and for local community residents to help ensure the safety of all those living in the area. They are a great defense against crime. - Insure your valuables
Maybe you’ve purchased a valuable piece of jewelry or you have a growing collection of art. Or maybe you have a full set of quality tools around the house that you use in your business. Allstate offers Optional coverages to address these situations and others by extending your protection to reflect the value of your possessions. - Inventory your home
Take the time to complete an inventory record of your personal property. (An example of that inventory list is below.) In addition to completing an inventory record, take photos or videotape your items – it will make it easier to replace an item if you have a photo of it.
For more information about this article or about your home & auto insurance please contact: Jim Harper at jimharper@allstate.com, web site: www.allstate.com/JimHarper, phone (952) 473-2110, address 240 Minnetonka Ave S (across the street from the Wayzata Post Office), Wayzata, MN 55391
Home Inventory Record (example)
- Living Room
- Sofa/love seat/chairs
- Coffee table/end tables
- Entertainment center
- Shelves/ book cases
- Lamps/Lighting Fixtures
- Clocks
- Mirrors/Wall Décor
- Fireplace Fixtures
Dining Room
- Dining room table & chairs
- China Cabinet
- Serving Tables
- Buffet
- Silverware
- Chinaware
- Electric Utensils
- Art/Wall Décor
Kitchen
- Table and Chairs
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Microwave Oven
- Dishwasher
- Dishes/Silverware/Glassware
- Freezer and Contents
- Electrical Appliances
Bedrooms
- Beds
- Mattresses
- Dressers/Chests
- Desks and Chairs
- Night Tables
- Blankets/Spreads/Linens
Clothing and Personal Effects
- Coats
- Suits
- Slacks
- Shirts
- Sweaters & Jackets
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Furs
- Jewelry/Watches
- Lingerie
- Shoes & Slippers
- Ties & Scarves
- Belts & Billfolds
- Gloves/Rainwear/Umbrellas
Garage/Basement/Attic
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Work Bench
- Power & Hand Tools
- Garden Tools
- Lawn Furniture
- Shelving
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through approximately 14,700 exclusive Allstate agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers. Customers can also access information about Allstate Financial Group products and services at www.myallstatefinancial.com.
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