By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Whether you head for the beach or cross state lines to visit family and friends, summer is the season for travel. But before you pack your bags, there are a number of things you should do to make sure your house stays safe and secure while you’re on the road.

You need to make sure your mail and newspapers don’t pile up outside— sending burglars a signal that your house is unattended. If you don’t have a neighbor who can collect mail for you, be sure to notify the post office to hold it until you return.

Windows that are darkened for several days in a row can also make your house vulnerable to theft. Installing timers on lights can go a long way in detracting attention from your house while you’re out of town.

To prevent possible fire hazards, you should unplug appliances and electronics. You’ll also want to raise the air conditioning temperature, but be sure to moderate the temperature during hot summer weather.

These and many other worries—from feeding pets to watering plants—can make your vacation less relaxing, not to mention a lot of work before you even go. For Erickson community members, travel can be a lot more enjoyable and far less stressful because they know their apartment homes will be safe while they are gone.

On-site security relieves worry
Monarch Landing and Sedgebrook are staffed with security around the clock. And with many friends living just down the hall, finding someone to check on your plants or feed your cat is not a problem.

“I like the convenience of when I’m going to take a trip, and it could be for a week or two weeks or a month, and being able to just walk out the door, say goodbye, lock the door, and know that everything will be taken care of,” says Monarch Landing resident Barbara Smart. “I don’t have to worry at all about lawns, snow, and mail.”