Be safe this summer
Published May 23, 2008
The May long weekend weather was great and I trust for those who went away they had a wonderful and restful time. Summer is quickly approaching and with summer many Strathcona residents will have the opportunity to take a summer vacation. Well earned no doubt. Before you depart on that summer vacation, whenever it might be, it is timely that we review some things we should all be aware of to make not only your trip safe but also your home while you are away. There are people that look for homes where there is an obvious absence and taking some simple steps can go a long way to safeguarding your home.
Before you go on summer vacation make sure you cancel the newspaper. Have someone clear the mail box every day if possible. Give a neighbour or a friend your house key and have them check the house daily. Make up a little log to keep track of the checks and have the neighbour or friend make an entry each day. This will go a long way should any insurance claims arise. Ensure your yard is maintained while you are away. Uncut grass is a sure sign of absence. Use timers on your lights and have random lights go on and off during the night. Always provide a family member or a friend with your travel routes and itinerary. That knowledge will greatly assist the authorities should they be attempting to locate you.
If you are travelling to a distant place or a place you regularly do not go, let your credit card company know where you are travelling before you leave. Never let your credit card out of your sight for any reason regardless of where you are or how much you might trust the business or person. If you suspect something, call your credit card holder immediately. Debit card fraud is getting to be a considerable problem and you should be highly alert for any sign of tampering. Have a visual check of the area where you use your debit card. If the electronics are at one end of the counter and the pin pad is at a distant end, ask the clerk to show you the electronic connection. If they swipe twice, ask why. If you can, pick up the pin pad and examine it for obvious signs of tampering. You can do it quickly and very unobtrusively. Take some cash with you and if you have the slightest doubt about using your debit card, don't! When you use a debit card the transaction occurs instantly. If you have the slightest doubt, call your bank and ask if your account reflects your latest transaction. If it does not, then something is amiss and follow the instructions of your bank. Report the matter to the local police immediately.
Have a truly wonderful summer and I hope that your summer is filled with family time and that you have joy, peace and fulfillment with your friends and families.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor, Ward 4
464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Page ID: 1946