During these summer months many of us go off to the cottage or the shore leaving the family home alone. A three-week holiday may be well deserved, but a vacant house is an invitation to disaster. There are some simple precautions to take so that coming home to an empty house doesn't take on a whole new meaning. Short of installing an expensive alarm system, here are some ideas you might find useful before you leave your abode alone:

• The best idea is to find someone at work or in the neighbourhood who would like to house sit. A co-worker may live in an apartment with roommates or a neighbour may have a responsible teenager or young adult living at home; both of which would consider staying at your place like a vacation of their own. Sometimes some small compensation for house sitting is a good idea. If not, be sure and pick up a "thank you" gift while you're on holiday.
  
  
• If you decide to leave the house alone, let a neighbour know the dates you'll be gone. Ask them to keep an eye on the place and give them a spare key, in case there are any emergencies. A leak in a water heater can cause thousands of dollars in damages if not detected immediately, so it's nice to have someone checking the house every once in a while. Again, a thoughtful "thank you" gift is in order.
  
  
• Stop your mail and newspaper delivery. A stack of newspapers by the front door is like posting a sign saying "no one home". If you think you may have a delivery from UPS or Fed Ex, have them hold the packages until you're home so your front door won't have delivery slips posted on it. Also, don't post a note saying "take all deliveries next door" on your door.
  
  
• A message on your answering machine saying, "We're away for the next three weeks." Is not a great idea. "We can't come to the phone right now" sends a better message.
  
  
• Move small valuables, jewelry, credit cards, etc, .to a safety deposit box, and larger valuables to a friend or relative's house for the duration of your vacation.
  
  
• Timers on lights and radios are a good idea to make your house look and sound occupied. Put a timer on one of your outdoor lights as well.
  
  
• Check all the ground-floor windows and french doors to make sure there are no broken panes or loose latches. Dead bolts and "beware of dog" signs do deter burglars. If you leave your car parked outside your house while you're away, remove the garage door opener from it. If your street has a "Neighbourhood Watch" program let them know when you'll be away. Also inform your local police department, they may have a program to drive by your home, test locks and walk into the back yard.
  
  
• Provide a relative or a friend a way to contact you in case of emergency.

Your holidays will be much more enjoyable knowing that you have taken some simple steps to ensure your home will be safe and sound when you return.

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