Have a neighbor pick up your paper. Disable the garage door opener while on vacation. Close the garage door when you are not out front. They can see everything you have. Never tell salespeople your name, your neighbor's name or any other information.
Burglars can dress nicely and pose as salespeople while picking their targets.
Alarms with the loudest sirens are best. Be sure your house numbers are clearly visible from the street. This is a great help to EMS if they answer an emergency call. Check with your pharmacy for the vial of life. This information is from Jane Grieg's column in the American Statesman There are a few groups in town that accept donations of specific items.