Here are some facts you probably don’t want to think about before you go on vacation. Nationwide, a home burglary occurs every 13 seconds. More break-ins occur in July and August than in any other months of the year–and each year, nearly five million families are victims of household burglars, who often strike while they are away on vacation.

Now that you know, do something about the potential risks. The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association rates common sense and new technology as the best ways to prevent break-ins. If you can’t find a friend or relative to house sit, then at least leave a key with someone you trust, along with instructions on how to reach you.

• Call your home security service if you have one and update your emergency contact list. Make sure the alarm company knows how to reach you while you are gone and who to call if any problems develop.
• Lock all windows and doors, including often forgotten bathroom windows and basement doors, before you leave.
• Invest in high-quality, name-brand deadbolt locks for all exterior doors
• If you have double-hung windows, bolt the upper and lower sashes together or insert a metal bar in the track to prevent opening.
• To secure sliding glass doors, add a bolt lock or use a metal bar to block the door closed.
• Sign up for the US Postal Service’s Hold Mail Service.
• Leave a car parked in the driveway, and ask your neighbor to move it from time to time to make the house look lived-in.
• Unplug your automatic garage-door opener before you leave. A crook can accidentally open it with the right opener code.
• Leave blinds and curtains in their normal position so that your house doesn’t have a closed-down look, but move expensive electronic equipment like televisions and computers away from windows where they are easy to see.
• Make sure the premiums on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy are paid and your coverage is up to date.

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