Whether you're heading to the Allstate Arena, running errands or just planning to spend time away from home, taking some simple, inexpensive precautions can help make your home a less attractive target for thieves and a more secure environment for you and your loved ones.

Here are some important tips to help minimize your chances of becoming a victim of a burglary:

• Trim trees and shrubs so burglars have fewer places to hide.
• Keep valuables away from windows so burglars cannot see them from outside.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when leaving your home.
• Use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off to make it appear as if you are at home.
• Don't hide a key in the mailbox, under the doormat or above the doorway. These are the first places thieves look.
• Purchase motion-activated floodlights and place them high enough so no one can tamper with them.
• If you're planning on being away from home for a while, have a neighbor pick up your mail, and stop your paper delivery.

For additional information on home burglary prevention, see your local Allstate agent or (888) ALL-SFTY and ask for a copy of the burglary prevention materials.

Whether you're heading to the Allstate Arena or just traveling around town, here are some important things to consider to help keep kids safe and properly restrained while on the road:

• Everyone should buckle up with both lap and shoulder belts on every trip.
• Infants in rear-facing child safety seats never should ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag.
• Use a convertible seat facing the rear for babies up to 20 pounds and at least one year of age.
• Children ages 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat.
• Check your vehicle owner's manual and car seat manufacturer's instructions to make sure the car seat is being used properly.

For additional information on child car seat safety, see your local Allstate agent or call (888) ALL-SFTY and ask for a copy of the car seat safety materials.