How Do You Prevent Looting After a Disaster Evacuation?

Before you evacuate, check every door and window. Reinforce sliding doors with a bar or a wooden dowel in the track. Use heavy-duty deadbolts on all exterior doors, and consider adding a strike plate with longer screws for extra strength.

Windows are common entry points. Close and lock them, and use window stops to prevent them from being forced open. If you have a basement window, secure it with a grill or a metal bar. The goal is to make breaking in loud and difficult.

• Reinforce sliding glass doors with a dowel
• Install deadbolts on all exterior doors
• Lock and secure every window
• Add window stops or security film
• Secure basement windows with grills

Thieves look for places to hide while they work. Trim bushes and shrubs near doors and windows so there is no cover. Move trash cans, planters, and yard furniture away from the house. Keep the yard open and visible from the street.

Outdoor lighting is also key. Install motion-sensor lights near entrances and dark corners. A well-lit home is less attractive to someone who wants to avoid being seen. Check that all bulbs work before you leave.

Talk to trusted neighbors before you leave. Let them know your plans and ask them to watch your property. Give them a key to your home and a contact number, and ask them to check on the house regularly. In return, offer to do the same for them.

If you live in a community with a neighborhood watch group, consider joining it. They can keep an eye on your home while you are away. Remember, though, that no one can ensure full protection. The more eyes on your property, the better.