A survey by one of the nation's leading home security providers has found that many social networking website users are unwittingly putting themselves at risk for home break-ins and burglaries.

According to a survey of 226 Facebook.com users conducted in August by Protection One, Inc., 73 percent say they have recently posted status updates announcing that they will be away from home for an extended period of time.

Security experts say such messages, which can often be viewed by strangers, may be open invitations for opportunistic would-be burglars. "Social media may be the latest high-tech tool for criminals looking to commit an old-fashioned crime," said Richard Ginsburg, president and CEO of Protection One. "Telling the world that you're not going to be home for a specified period of time is the same as giving a burglar an invitation to rob your home. Refraining from leaving these types of messages is another step homeowners can take to protect themselves, their homes and possessions throughout the year."

Protection One home safety experts suggest utilizing the security features on Facebook and other social media sites that allow only personally authorized users to view your status updates and other sensitive information. Try these easy-to-implement and cost-free tips for protecting your home while you are away:

• Consider posting updates and photos online after you return instead of before you leave town or during your trip. Ask your teenagers to do the same.
• Never publish your full address on Facebook or any other social networking site.
• When away from home, secure all windows, including those upstairs to reduce the chance of easy entry and cut tree limbs away from second-story windows.
• Remove objects that might allow access to your home, such as ladders or trash cans that could be used to enter a window or scale a fence.
• Turn your telephone ringer down, so no one outside can hear repeated rings, and review your answering machine message to be sure it does not imply you are away.
• Be sure to have all mail, newspapers and deliveries stopped or picked up during travel by a neighbor, friend or relative.
• Never leave a key hidden outside. Burglars know all the best hiding places.
• Have a friend move your car occasionally if it is parked in the driveway. 
• Use timers to operate lights.
• Take care when disposing of product packaging, so that you aren't "advertising" recent high-dollar purchases.
• If you have a security system, ask your alarm provider about wireless backup or Web-enabled security in the event your phone line fails or is tampered with and so that you can receive convenient alerts via your cell phone or other PDA.

As you prepare to travel this holiday season, be smart about safety.