NBFAA recently distributed a public service press release via national wire services. The press release is designed to educate homeowners on how to protect their homes while on vacation this summer. The release will be available for members to download and customize with local information for submission to hometown newspapers. The information in the release can also be used by members in customer newsletters or other outreach programs. For more information contact NBFAA Communications at communications@alarm.org.

While the Family’s Away the Thieves Will Play
NBFAA Offers Tips to Securing Your Home While on Vacation

Irving, Texas - June 22, 2006 – It’s no secret thieves do not take vacations. In fact, according to crime statistics, burglaries actually increase in the summer. To help protect your property, the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) has created a simple 4-point checklist.

• Discourage the thief: Since burglars prefer to break in to houses that look unoccupied, lower your home’s appeal by making it look like you’re there. Use timers on lights, radios and televisions. Ask neighbors to put trash cans out on trash day. Leave drapes and shades open. Leave a car parked in the driveway, or ask a neighbor to park there. Do not let your mail or newspapers pile up; arrange for mail and newspaper delivery to stop, or ask a friend to help. Mow your lawn before you leave.
  
• Prevent easy access: Make your home a more difficult target by increasing the time it takes a burglar to enter. Lock all doors and windows, and secure the garage door. Install deadbolt locks for added security. Trim your trees and hedges; this gives burglars fewer hiding places. Replace burned-out yard lights, and consider upgrading with built-in motion detectors.
  
• Manage the risk: Make sure your neighbors know you are going on vacation; ask them to watch your house. Tell them how long you will be gone and the names or descriptions of anyone that may need access to your house. Leave a house key and a number where you can be reached, with a trusted individual. For extended vacations, consider a house sitter. Notify police when you will be away.
  
• Detect an intruder: NBFAA recommends investing in a home security system. In an industry survey of 1,000 public safety officials, 85 percent of police chiefs said security systems decrease the likelihood a home will be burglarized, and almost 90 percent felt security systems increase their chances of apprehending burglars. Because crime statistics show that most security systems are turned off in those homes that are burglarized, NBFAA reminds consumers to activate their systems, especially when on vacation. Finally, make sure that anyone with access to the home knows how to properly operate the system.

About NBFAA

NBFAA, a non-profit 501(c) 6 trade association, is the nation's oldest and largest organization dedicated to representing, promoting, and supporting the electronic life safety, security, and systems industry. Member companies specialize in a wide spectrum of services to commercial and residential consumers, including security and fire alarms, video surveillance, access control and monitoring. In cooperation with a federation of state associations, NBFAA provides government advocacy and delivers timely information, professional development tools, products and services that members use to grow and prosper their businesses. The NBFAA may be reached at (888) 447-1689 or on the Web at www.alarm.org.