The summer travel season is upon us as families travel near and far for their summer vacations.

As you make your way to you destinations for a good time, local authorities are providing residents with annual reminders about safe practices as you are away. Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers says it's best practice to have someone keep an eye out for your house.

Chief Lowers says while it's fun to share the photos and memories you're creating on social media, he asks for travelers to be cautious in doing that. He explains that can be a dead giveaway your home is sitting vacant.

While you are on vacation, the Clinton Police Department offers a home check-in service. Chief Lowers explains each officer will drive by your home twice on their shift and give your house an extra set of eyes to make sure everything checks out.

Other things the Chief recommends includes if you have mail delivered, make arrangements to have that stopped until you return home. Also, have any newspaper services paused until you get back.

Chief Lowers notes, piling up newspapers and mail can be an indicator of a vacant home.