If you're going on a short trip, ask a friend or family member to take in the papers. Your house should look occupied while you're gone.

Another tip: If you don’t have a safe or safety deposit box, put jewelry/valuables in a nondescript cardboard box in a closet, under a sink, pantry, etc.. Why? Thieves won’t think to look there.

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- Ask them to always to lock the door and keep track of their keys.

- Tell your children to never answer the door when they're home alone.

- Do not trust unfamiliar delivery, utility or other people who want to come in your home or look around it unless you have set up the appointment ahead of time and they show proper identification.

- Be wary of door-to-door canvassers. Most legitimate fundraisers carry a solicitor’s permit as well as an office number you can call to verify their legitimacy.

- Lock your doors and windows even if you step outside for just a moment.

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One of the most important things that you can do to protect your home and family before a flood is to purchase a flood insurance policy - even if you don't live in a flood-prone area. Flood insurance provides year-round financial protection and improves your ability to quickly recover when severe storms strike and cause unexpected flooding.

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