Hiring a house sitter and setting up a security system are two very complementary steps you can take to keeping your home safe when you’re away. Your home automated system can make up for the human errors of which your house sitter may be guilty. Your house sitter is an intimidating presence to burglars and intruders who prey on empty houses. But you have to remember that you’re very familiar with your home, and all of its quirks—your house sitter is not. Don’t assume that she’ll know all the tricks and protocol you do. Here are instructions to give your house sitter so she can keep your home safe. Mention finicky locks Are there any finicky locks in your home?Maybe the deadbolt on the back door only shuts if you pull the door tight and flush with the frame. Maybe a simple knob lock can unlock if not turned entirely vertically. These finicky locks can leave your home vulnerable if your house sitter doesn’t know how to manipulate them. Mention windows/doors that don’t close entirely You may have some windows… Read moreDogs are a man’s best friend, but they can also be a man’s security guard. Actually, a dog can be an entire family’s security guard.