The New Year is supposed to be a fun time where we all enjoy winding down after the highs and lows of yet another year. Sometimes we may travel to visit friends or family, and have to leave our humble home. Naturally, you have your Pennsylvania homeowners insurance in place, but even so your personal belongings could be at risk; and one can often overlook such seemingly unimportant things when planning a New Year trip away.

Here are some tips to protect your home from would-be invaders while you're gone:

• Consider connecting your television, radio and/or lights to a timer to come on periodically, suggesting to those looking on that the home is occupied.
• Check and double check that you locked your front door and any back doors and windows before you plan to depart. Sometimes it is possible to forget – not everyone's perfect all the time.
• Ask a friend or relative to house sit while you’re gone – you might think they’re all busy with their own lives but perhaps one of them would like a change of scenery and a little peace and quiet!
• Install a set of cameras, alarms or even a security system. Some systems can be operated and viewed remotely.

Need to take out or renew your Pennsylvania homeowners insurance policy before you go? Call your agent before you get too swept up in the excitement of your planned trip!

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