This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

The beautiful summer sun shines in a cloudless sky, as you lounge in a beach chair watching the ocean waves. Your family is around you, the sunshine is warm, and the tang of salt water is tangible on the light breeze. It’s the perfect family vacation!

During the summer months, thousands of families take to the beach for a relaxing ocean vacation. With around 12,000 miles of total coastline in the United States and surrounding territories, you’re bound to find an ocean beach that gives you the perfect getaway.

However, during your ocean vacation, you’ll still need to keep your family’s safety in mind. Here are a few tips to help you have a relaxing and safe ocean beach vacation.

Beware of Rip Currents
Rip currents are the number one danger for many ocean locations. These powerful jets of water will pull you quickly away from shore, and can quickly exhaust you while swimming. If you do get caught in a rip current — don’t panic! Instead of trying to swim directly towards shore, instead try swimming parallel to shore.  Eventually, you should be able to break free of the rip current, and make your way to safety. Be sure to tell your family about how to escape a rip current.

Respect Local Wildlife
This isn’t just so that you can avoid disturbing animals in their natural habitat – it’s very important for safety as well. Most ocean-living organisms will leave you and your family alone, as long as they aren’t disturbed. However, you still need to be aware of any poisonous or potentially dangerous wildlife in the area where you’ll be having your vacation. This could include jellyfish, poisonous fish or even local insects. Be sure that you know the proper treatment method for dealing with an incident involving local animals.

Anticipate Changing Weather
Many ocean areas are subject to rapidly changing weather patterns. While you may be enjoying a beautiful cloudless sky one minute, a powerful storm could roll in without warning! Be sure to pay attention to any changes in the temperature, air pressure or wind speed while vacationing in an ocean area.  You should also get regular updates on the weather forecast, including the chance of any storms developing. If you hear thunder or see lightning – don’t delay! Immediately get your family dried off, leave the beach area and bring them to safety.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

For many people, going on a cruise is a way to have a relaxing vacation at a bargain price. Many people choose to cruise to warm locations, such as the Caribbean and the Bahamas. However, in order to ensure that you can actually enjoy your vacation, it’s important to get a few things taken care of before you leave. Here are a few tips to help you to prepare for a cruise, and to secure your home in your absence.

Arm Your Security System.
If you have a monitored security system, it’s best to test the system and all of its components before you leave on your cruise. Also, be sure that you know your codes for arming and disarming the system. If you have someone taking care of your house, be sure that they also have the arming codes for your security system.

Leave the Valuables at Home.
While it may be tempting to bring your best jewelry, or your most expensive wristwatch, remember that everything you bring with you is at risk for being lost or stolen. Your luggage may be misplaced, a dishonest crew member may take advantage of you, or you may be mugged while on a shore excursion in one of the ship’s ports. Also, if you’re seen carrying valuables, you become a prime target for criminals. Resist the temptation to flaunt, and leave your valuables at home!

Make a Copy of Your Itinerary
In case of an emergency, it’s highly recommended that you leave a copy of your completely itinerary with a friend or family member while you’re on your cruise. This itinerary should include the dates/times of all port arrivals, the contact information for the ship that you’re cruising on, your cell phone number, as well as the customer service number of the cruise line that you’re traveling with. This way, friends and family always have a way to reach you in case of an emergency back home.

Gather Identification Documents
For most cruises making stops in ports that are outside of the continental United States, you may need different types of identification documents. In most cases, a passport is required for many cruises that go outside of the United States. However, depending on the cruise, you may be only required to submit documents such as an official birth certificate and driver’s license. An approved copy of your birth certificate may also be acceptable. Be sure that you have the proper identification documents for each member of your family that will be going on the cruise with you.

Bring Sanitation Supplies.
While many luxury cruise lines will provide basic sanitation supplies, it’s still important to pack your own, especially in case of an emergency. Depending on the size of your cruise ship, you may be riding with anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 people. Spending time with a large number of people greatly increases the risk of contracting a contagious virus or bacterial infection.

Set A Budget.
On luxury cruise ships, it’s very easy to spend a substantial amount of money while on board. Food is usually included, though you will have to pay for any alcoholic drinks that you order. Cruise lines also offer services such as restaurants, specialty shops, professional photography and room service. You can also choose to go on “excursions” at the ports where your ship stops, which may range from mountain biking to scuba diving. To prevent from spending too much, set a specific budget for your total family’s expenses before you board.

Packing Tips
Here’s a short video from ExpertVillage that gives you a few tips on what to pack in your carry-on bag for going on a cruise.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Between the long lines, strict security guidelines and last-minute gate changes, going to the airport can be an extremely stressful experience. In fact, many travelers rate the airport security experience as their least-favorite part of traveling by air. Though many airports have taken steps to help guide passengers through the security screening process, it can greatly help to know a few important tips beforehand.

Be Organized
The best way to make sure that your carry-on baggage will get quickly through security is to be organized. For example, try to pack similar items in different compartments, such as as electronic wires, loose change or small electronic devices. Sometimes, a harmless item may be flagged by airport security simply because of the way that it is packed. A great way to organize your items is to place them in quart or gallon-sized ziplock bags. This way, you can rearrange your carry-on luggage in a way that allows all items to be easily viewable to the TSA (Transportation Security Association) official that will be screening your bags.

Laptops
Try to avoid packing your laptop computer into your checked baggage. When going through airport security, you will be required to remove your laptop from its case, and place it in a separate bin to be screened by a TSA official. To get through airport security faster, have your laptop packed in a separate compartment from other items that may be in your carry-on luggage. This will allow you to easily remove it for screening. If possible, try purchasing a TSA-approved laptop bag. These bags can be placed directly on the security conveyor belt, and the laptop does not need to be removed from the bag before screening.

Jackets
The TSA is now requiring every passenger to remove all outer layers of clothing before passing through airport security. This means that while you are waiting in the security line, you can save a bit of time by removing your jacket. If you have a cell phone or other electronic device in your jacket pocket, remove it and place it on top of your jacket in a security screening bin.

Liquids
As of right now, the only liquids that are allowed through airport security are in a 3.4 oz container or smaller. Liquids in larger bottles will likely be confiscated by airport security officials. All of your liquids need to be placed in a clear, quart-size ziplock bag. When going through security, remove this bag, and place it in an easily viewable area of one of the screening bins.

Shoes
When you pass through airport security, you will be required to remove your shoes. To make the security screening process much easier, you can opt to wear comfortable slip-on shoes that can be easily removed. Once your shoes are off, you will most likely have to place them in a bin, so that they can be easily screened by security officials. Some airport security officials may ask you to place your shoes directly on the conveyor belt.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

According to the FBI, a laptop is stolen approximately every 53 seconds in the United States. Sadly, over 97% of these are never recovered. Many thieves are turning to computer theft in today’s economic situation, since laptops can be easy to steal and re-sell. It’s estimated that one in every ten stolen laptops is stolen within the first year after purchase. Newer laptops are attractive targets for thieves, since they tend to have a high selling value.

What can you do to prevent your laptop from being stolen? Here are a few simple tips.

Install Anti-Theft Software
Due to the increase in laptop theft, many companies have developed software that may assist in recovery. For example, Absolute software has a product called LoJack for Laptops. This software allows the location of the stolen laptop to be tracked, and the remote deletion of potentially sensitive information (such as passwords and bank account info) after it has been stolen. Some companies even offer a “Service Guarantee”, which may allow you to collect around $1,000 if the company is unable to help your stolen notebook be returned.

Engrave Identification Info
While this may not essentially prevent laptops from being stolen, it can help improve the chances that it will be returned to you. Notebook computers can usually be etched with an identification number that can be traced by the police. You may also have other identification information etched on your laptop, such as your name, phone number or contact information.

Use an Inconspicuous Case
One of the reasons that your laptop may be a target for theft is its carrying case. Many thieves act on opportunity, and an attractive, expensive-looking notebook case can put your computer at risk for theft. Instead, opt for a comfortable yet stylish case, which doesn’t have any features that could attract unwanted attention. You may also want to avoid purchasing a notebook bag from brand-name or designer labels, since this could also put your laptop at a higher risk for being stolen.

Never Leave Your Laptop in Your Car
A common mistake that many laptop owners make is to leave their computer unattended in their vehicle. A “smash and grab” theft will take advantage of any and all expensive items that are present in your car. If a thief sees that a laptop is visible in your vehicle, it may be enough to convince them to steal it from your car.

Purchase a Laptop Lock
Another way to prevent laptop theft is to purchase a physical locking device for it. These locks can usually be inserted into your laptop via the USS (Universal Security Slot). The other end of the locking device may be connected to a chair, table, or even your laptop bag. While a lock isn’t a reason to leave your laptop unattended, it may discourage some potential thieves.

Pay Attention at the Airport
Airports are common areas where thieves may target laptops for theft. Since the environment in an airport means that many people will be distracted, its easy to lose track of your personal belongings. When flying, always keep your laptop by your side! Even if you only need to leave your seat for a few seconds to check-in, never leave any of your bags behind. Some opportunistic thieves may snatch your laptop, then board their flight in order to make a quick getaway.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

For many people, the main headache when flying involves lost suitcases, checked baggage fees and crowded flights. However, a poll conducted by Newsweek discovered that over 50% of Americans have experienced fear while aboard a plane. Over 35% of Americans have admitted to having an actual fear of flying. If you’re one of these people, boarding a plane can be a stressful and scary experience. Here are a few quick tips to help you to conquer your fear of flying.

Tip #1 – Be Early for Your Flight.
If you’re already anxious about boarding a plane, having to rush to your departure gate can simply increase your anxiety. Help make your airport experience less stressful by arriving at least two hours before your scheduled departure. If you are departing from a particularly busy airport, you may even want to arrive three hours early. This will give you more than enough time to pick up your tickets, check your baggage and get through security.

Tip #2 – Check Out the Airport Lounge.
If you’re already flying business class, you may have access to the airport’s VIP lounge. These lounges are designed to be a comfortable and relaxing environment where passengers can get away from the craziness of the airport. However, if you’re not flying business class, you may have to pay for a pass in order to access the lounge. Some airlines offer a complimentary “first time” pass to the lounge, so be sure to ask at the service counter. Depending on your budget, paying around $50 for a pass to the lounge may be well worth it to help decrease your anxiety.

Tip #3 – Choose an Aisle Seat.
By choosing to sit in a seat near the aisle, you’re less likely to feel claustrophobic while on the plane. An aisle seat also allows you to have greater freedom of movement once the plane has reached a stable altitude. If you can, get a seat that is in one of the “exit rows”, which have the emergency exits out the side of the plane. These seats sometimes have additional leg-room, though you will have the responsibility to help passengers evacuate the plane in the event of an emergency.

Tip #4 – Bring Something Distracting.
Studies have shown that distracting yourself with a situation that involves a significant amount of thought can help to reduce anxiety. Though a book or magazine can be a good distraction, many experts suggest audio distractions as being the most effective. While soothing music can help, you may also want to consider bringing an audiobook. No matter which audio distraction you choose, it’s best to choose something that you are unfamiliar with, such as a new CD or group of songs that you haven’t heard yet.

Tip #5 – Be Prepared.
While dealing with the fear of flying, the last thing you want to be worried about is being tired, hungry or uncomfortable. Plan ahead for your flight. Wear comfortable clothes that are loose-fitting, and shoes that are easy to remove. If you are meeting someone important following your flight, you can always change while at the airport. Bring several snacks, in case you don’t find the airplane food particularly appetizing. If you plan to sleep on the plane, bring a small travel pillow and a blanket. If you plan to sleep on a day flight, a soft eye mask can help to block out any excess light.

Tip #6 – Try to Relax.
Every time you feel yourself becoming anxious about flying, remember that the actual chance of your plane experiencing problems during flight is extremely low. In reality, the chance of dying on a commercial airline crash is about 10,500,000 to 1! Airline pilots undergo extensive training, which even involves flying a plane that has one (or both) of its engines disabled.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Ever since the Wright brothers had the first successful airplane flight in 1903, the aviation industry has been rapidly expanding. During both World War I and World War II, specialized aircraft were developed in order to enhance the army’s combat potential. In fact, the years 1918 – 1939 are revered as being the “Golden Age” of aviation. Though airplane flights were once a luxury reserved only for wealthy individuals, air travel now represents a significant percentage of the transportation industry. Each year, the aviation industry experiences an average of 5% growth, as air travel becomes both more accessible and more affordable.

This summer, thousands of people will board planes to fly off to their dream vacation locales. On extended flights, its easy to have a negative experience. To help make long flights more bearable, here are a few tips to help make you more comfortable.

Choose Your Seats.
When you purchase an airplane ticket, you usually have the option to select your seats. If you prefer an aisle or a window seat, be sure to switch your seat accordingly. If you want a bit of extra leg room, you can choose a seat near one of the emergency exits. However, if you sit in one of these seats, you will be responsible for helping passengers exit the plane in the event of an emergency.

Bring Your Own Drink.
Due to the recent security restrictions, full bottles of beverages are not permitted to be brought past security. However, you can bring an empty bottle, which you can fill in one of the airport’s bathrooms prior to boarding the plane. You can also usually purchase drinks at one of the convenience stores located within the terminal.

Pack Lotion and Chapstick.
Something many people don’t realize, is that the air on a plane can be extremely dry due to the air filtration system. To help you to be more comfortable, don’t forget to bring products to help deal with dry skin. Though these may seem like small items, they will help you to better deal with long flights.

Choose Your Plane.
If you are able, try to choose a plane that has an entertainment system built-in to the seat. These systems may offer certain TV shows, network channels, or pay-per-view movies. On long flights, this can be extremely helpful for dealing with travel fatigue.

Bring Headphones.
Though many airplanes offer headphones for purchase on the plane, they are usually low-quality, and may cause headaches in sensitive individuals. To prevent this, bring some noise-cancelling headphones in your carry-on luggage.

Pack Light.
For your carry-on luggage, try to pack light. Attempting to yank an overstuffed bag out of an overhead bin will add to the stress of your flight.

Bring Toiletries.
Riding on an extended flight can take its toll on your overall personal hygiene. To help increase your comfort level, bring a few toiletries in your carry-on. This can include a cleansing facial scrub, mouthwash, and a toothbrush. If you start to feel uncomfortable, take a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen up.

Bring Your Own Food.
Airplane food is notorious for being bland and unappetizing. In addition to this, it’s often extremely expensive! To keep yourself comfortable (and save money), bring your own food onto the plane. This may include a sandwich, some fresh fruit, a granola bar, or other food items. Just remember not to pack food in liquid form (such as yogurt), since it may be confiscated by security.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Clare Oliver was a typical 19-year old girl, who enjoyed going to the beach and shopping with her friends. However, when she saw an advertisement – “Pay for 10 tanning sessions, and get 10 free!” her interest was piqued. Clare purchased the tanning package, and began going to tan at her local salon. The tanning attendant told her that the best way to get tan quickly, was to come in every other day, and use “speed cream”. Clare took her advice, and made it through 10 tanning sessions. However, after her 10th session, Clare’s skin began to hurt, and she decided to stop tanning.

Clare went on to receive a Bachelor of Media and Communication, as well as a Masters of Cinema from the University of Melbourne by the time she was 22. She began work as a sports journalist, and had many career plans for her future. However, when she discovered a lump under her armpit, she was frightened enough to go to the doctor. Though the lump vanished with treatment, it returned one year later. Clare eventually discovered that she had seven tumors in her chest, one in her neck, and one in her lung. After being positively diagnosed for melanoma, Clare eventually stopped responding to treatments. She lived until she was 26, and become one of the strongest advocates for putting strict restrictions on the use of tanning facilities by young girls.

Many people don’t realize the true dangers of exposing their skin to UV rays, either from a tanning salon or from spending time outdoors. To be able to safely enjoy your summer, you need to know why sunscreen is important, and how it functions to protect your health.

The Two Types of UV Rays

Sun damage to the skin is caused both by UVA and UVB rays. The damage by UVB rays is almost immediate, taking place within 60 seconds of exposure of unprotected skin. UVA rays also contribute to skin damage, being one of the contributing factors for developing premature wrinkles.

What does SPF Mean?

SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. Currently, SPF ratings are only designed to rate a sunscreen’s protection against UVB sun rays, as there is currently no rating system for protection against UVA rays.

The Difference Between Sunscreen and Sunblock

When you see a product advertised as “Sunblock”, this means that it operates as a “shield” to reflect the sun’s rays away from your skin. Sunblock products usually contain titanium dioxide. A sunscreen product functions to soak up UV rays before they are able to damage your skin. Sunscreen products usually contain PABA and Salicylates. However, some sun products contain both sunscreen and sunblock ingredients.

Broad Spectrum Sun Products

In order to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, it’s recommended that you choose a sunscreen that is labeled as “Broad Spectrum”.

Premature Aging

Exposure to UV rays is the number one cause of premature aging, wrinkling and skin damage. Though having a tan may be socially desirable, it’s important to remember that a tan represents damage to your skin by the sun.

Sunscreen Effectiveness

The protection you gain from sunscreen is only effective if you apply it properly. At a minimum, you should re-apply your sunscreen after being out in the sun for approximately three hours. If you’re swimming, remember to reapply your suncreen after one hour, even if your sunscreen is “waterproof”. Make sure that you cover all exposed skin with a layer of sunscreen, in order to maximize your protection.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland has already caused the cancellation of over 17,000 flights, disrupting air travel all over the world. Thousands of people were stuck at the airport, missing their business meetings, weddings, family reunions and other events. Many people are saying that such a widespread flight disruption hasn’t occurred since the terrorist attacks on 9/11. If you have ever been in a situation where your flight has been cancelled, you are already aware of the anger, frustration and chaos that can occur. Here are a few simple tips to reduce the stress of a cancelled flight.

Step 1 – Take a Deep Breath.
Many people can feel panicked, stressed, angry or scared when they realize that their flight has been cancelled. These feelings are natural, though they are not productive to solving your problem. Understand that the airline is not purposefully disrupting your plans, or trying to prevent you from reaching your destination. Once you are calm, you will have a much easier time solving your situation.

Step 2 – Get in Line.
After a flight cancellation, you will most likely be directed to a service kiosk. Since all of the other passengers in your flight will also need to get in line, be prepared for a long wait.

Step 3 – Call Your Airline.
While you’re waiting in line, it’s highly recommended that you call the 800 number for the airline your flight was on. This can have a huge imact on reducing the amount of time that you need to spend dealing with your cancelled flight. This number should be printed on your tickets, or can be accessed by navigating to the airline’s website on your mobile phone.

Step 4 – Prepare Your Personal Information.
While on the phone with your airline, be prepared to describe details about your situation. You may be asked for:

• Your name
• Your flight number
• The method of payment for your tickets
• Your destination
• Personal details (social security number, date of birth, etc)

Be sure that you have all of this information easily available before calling the customer service number.

Step 5 – Be Polite.
By the time you make it to the customer service kiosk, the agents will most likely be tired of irate, frustrated and angry customers. Be polite, stating your situation clearly and without insinuating that you hold the airline at fault. Never yell, swear or accuse the customer service associate of not providing you with proper service. If you are polite, it’s much more likely that they will be motivated to help you to find a solution to your cancelled flight.

Step 6 – Be Informed.
In some cases, the information that you receive by calling your airline’s 800 number may be different than the information given to you at the customer service kiosk. If this occurs, you may be able to find a solution by presenting this information. For example, if the representative on the phone says that there is an earlier flight that you may take, you can give this information to the representative at the kiosk. Be sure to include details such as the flight number, time of the flight, airline (if different), gate number and any other relevant details.

Step 7 – Be Clear About Your Arrangements.
In the event of a cancelled flight, there may be several arrangements offered to you by your airline. This may include:

• Complimentary Food
• Complimentary Hotel
• Voucher for a Future Flight
• Free Seat Upgrade for New Flight
• Coupon for Money Off a Future Flight
• Complimentary Transportation

Depending on the reason for your flight’s cancellation, there may be a wait of several hours (or days) until you are able to get a new flight. If this occurs, the airline may offer you a complimentary hotel, a voucher for purchasing food, and free transportation from the airport to the hotel. Be sure that you know the exact details of any arrangements that they make for you – such as the address of the hotel, the location where your transportation is leaving, and the exact time of your rescheduled flight (if any).

Step 8 – Reschedule Your Plans.
You should only reschedule your plans after you are completely clear about the new arrangements given to you by your airline (unless, of course, you choose an alternate course of action, such as renting a car to drive to your destination). Reschedule your business meeting, call your family, or any other person who will be affected by your delay.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

On Christmas Day in 2009, a terrorist attempted to blow up Northwest Airlines Flight 253, with plastic explosives that were sewn into his pants. Dubbed the “Underwear Bomber”, this incident sparked a flurry of activity for the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Measures were taken to tighten security, in order to avoid having any other explosives ever make it past security checkpoints. One of the security measures that has recently been subject to a lot of controversy, is the “Full Body Scanners” that have begun to make their way into airports.

What is a Full Body Scanner?

A full body scanner is a device that is able to detect items hidden under clothing. The scanner does this by creating a full 3-D image of a person, complete with detailed body contours. The scanners are effective at detecting contraband that may be hidden on a person’s body.

How Does a Full Body Scanner Work?

There are currently two different types of scanning technology that are used in full body scanners: millimeter wave scanners, and backscatter scanners. A millimeter wave scanner is able to use radio waves that are of extremely high frequencies, which are decoded in order to produce a 3-D image. A backscatter scanner makes use of high-energy rays that scatter when they hit solid materials. This allows a backscatter scanner to create a detailed image of the person being scanned.

An example of one type of Full Body Scanner.

Do Full Body Scanners Take Nude Pictures?

A full body scanner is able to strip away any items of clothing that a person is wearing, essentially producing a nude representation of a person. This allows the person screening the scans to see details that could represent concealed objects. However, it is true that the full body scanner does produce a “naked” representation of airline passengers, which is why full body scanners are subject to so much controversy.

Which Airports Have Full Body Scanners?

Currently, there are 40 active full body scanners at 19 different airports.

Albuquerque International Airport (ABQ)
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
Baltimore-Washington International (BWI)
Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport (DFW)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Las Vegas-McCarran Airport (LAS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Washington DC’s Reagan National (DCA)
Amsterdam-Schipol Airport (AMS)

However, there are 11 more airports that are currently in the process of receiving them. This list includes:

Boston Logan International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Mineta San Jose International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Port Columbus Unternational Airport
Oakland International Airport
San Diego International Airport
Kansas City International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport

By the end of this year, the TSA hopes to have over 450 full body scanners active in airports across the United States. By 2011, the TSA projects that over 1200 full body scanners will be used.

Are Full Body Scans Required?

Under the current airport security protocols, you have the right to refuse a full body scan when boarding a plane. In the event that you refuse, you will be taken to another location in which you may receive a pat-down, a scan with a hand-scanner, swabs that can detect explosives, and other tests.

Are Full Body Scanners Open to Abuse?

Much of the controversy about full body scanners centers around the fact that yes, it is possible for the data images taken by the scanners to be abused. Concern has particularly been focused on the potential for abuse in images of celebrities, children and women. The TSA has attempted to assuage these fears by pledging that the images are deleted after the scan, and will never be used elsewhere. However, many people still feel uncomfortable with the possibility that these scan photos represent a breach in privacy.

Sources:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/12/29/full-body-scanners-in-all-our-airports-115875-21928634/

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/30/airline.terror.scanners/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/03/05/body.scanners.airports/index.html

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/1/6/165831/7563/travel/Full-Body+Scanners+101:+How+Naked+Is+Full-Body+Scan+Naked%3F

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwear_bomber

http://ivarfjeld.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/airport-security-line.jpg

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

One of the wonderful things about spring (aside from signing the kids up for baseball) is finally getting motivated to plan how to spend your summer when the kids are off from school. With the warmer months just over the horizon, many families use springtime to dream up their ideal family vacation. Exotic beaches, sunny mountain retreats, and exciting theme park adventures are all among the most popular getaways for families. However, amidst all of this excitement, it’s easy to forget to think about maintaining your home’s security while you’re gone. Here are a few quick tips to help to protect your home from potential burglars while you’re enjoying your family vacation.

Know Your Schedule
Before anything else, map out the exact dates and times that you will be away from your home. Allow for airport delays, car trouble, unexpected difficulties and other hazards that may occur on your vacation. Be sure that you have arrangements to take care of your home and your other obligations in case you aren’t able to return on your scheduled date.

Know Your House-Sitter
If you have hired someone to watch your house while you are gone, be sure that it is someone that you know and trust. This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to remember that you are trusting your home to their care. It’s best to never enlist the services of a stranger, even if they come with good references. If you need someone to watch your pets, first try to enlist the help of close friends or family members. If necessary, you can always leave your pets in the expert care of a “pet hotel” or kennel.

Watch Your Social Updates
You may have read our article titled, “I’m Not Home, Please Rob Me!“. Basically, it’s best if you exercise caution when posting your vacation plans on Twitter, Facebook or other social networks. Even if you only befriend people you trust, it’s still important to realize that you are advertising to the world that you won’t be home for a specified amount of time.

Add to Your Security System
If you have a monitored home security system, you have already taken an important step towards ensuring that your home will be protected in your absence. However, taking advantage of the extra features offered by your security company can go a long way towards giving you peace-of-mind. Motion sensors, night-vision security cameras, glass-break sensors and other devices can often be directly integrated into your security system. If you call your security company, be sure to let them know that you’re going on vacation, and that you need these extra features installed by a specific date.

Check Your Locks
All of the entry doors on your first floor should be protected by burglar-proof deadbolt locks. Before going on vacation, schedule a time to have all of your locks tested, in order to ensure that they are in proper working order. If necessary, replace any locks that could potentially compromise your home’s security.

Install a Floor or Wall Safe
Depending on your budget and personal preference, you may want to install a safe in order to hide your valuables in your absence. You can read more in our articles “Installing a Floor Safe” and “Wall Safe Installation Tips“.

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