Many residents plan a vacation during July. Here are some maintenance tasks from the Burglary Prevention Council that will protect your home.

•Examine your house from the street and make sure no valuables, like expensive electronics or artwork, are visible. If a passerby can see your belongings, so can criminals.

•Lock and fasten all doors and windows. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a 1-inch throw and reinforced strike plate.

•Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track to prevent an intruder from forcing the door open.

•Always lock the door to your attached garage.

•Make it appear that you’re home — use timers on lights, radios and televisions.

•Keep the perimeter of your home well-lit. You can do this by installing low-voltage outdoor lighting.

•Never leave clues that you are away. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers — or ask for them to be held. You may also want to ask a neighbor to park in your driveway so it appears someone is home.

•Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to keep a normal appearance.

•Never leave a message on your answering machine saying you are on vacation.

•Trim the shrubbery near your home’s entrance and walkway. This prevents a would-be burglar from hiding in tall, bushy foliage.

•Organize or join a community watch program to protect your neighborhood.

•And, of course, if you have a home security system, make sure it is activated when you leave. The more difficult you make it for the intruder, the less likely he or she will be to pursue forcing their way into your home.