| Going on vacation is an exciting time and there can be | | | | * Leave a radio or something going in the house that |
| all kinds of last minute problems and annoyances that | | | | makes sound and can be viewed as an indication that |
| can arise that can keep you from taking care of things | | | | someone is home. |
| that you should before you leave. Unfortunately, | | | | * Disconnect the garage door so that it cannot be |
| remembering those things that you should have done | | | | operated by remote control from the outside. Usually |
| later on is not going to help, so here are some things to | | | | there is a lever that you can pull on the opener that |
| be sure to check off on your list before you leave on | | | | can accomplish this easily. |
| vacation: | | | | * Unplug your washing machine hoses. These can |
| * Lock all doors and windows throughout the house. | | | | easily break and if they do while you are away for |
| * Unplug most electronic items especially those that | | | | several days it could cause near catastrophic flood |
| are expensive or may have valuable data on them. | | | | damage to your home before you would be able to |
| These can include your TV set, stereo, and especially | | | | do anything about it. |
| computers. If a storm comes through while you are | | | | * If you have pets make sure that they have an |
| away, these items can be damaged beyond repair | | | | automatic feeder and plenty of food and water, if you |
| simply by being plugged into the wall outlet, so remove | | | | choose not to board them in a kennel or leave them |
| that possibility before you leave. Also, if you use a | | | | with someone else. Also be sure that the heating/AC |
| modem it would be good idea to unplug it as damage | | | | system is set to keep things comfortable for them in |
| can also happen due to the phone connection used. | | | | the house while you are gone. If you do choose to |
| * There is no need for your water heater to continue | | | | leave your pets at home it's a good idea to arrange |
| to operate at a high level since it will not be used | | | | for someone to stop by daily and check on them and |
| throughout the time that you are gone, so turn it down | | | | spend a little time with them too. |
| to a low setting. | | | | There are other reminders that would be good to |
| * Call and cancel your paper and mail delivery while | | | | have on your away list too, but these should be a |
| you are gone. You certainly don't want newspapers | | | | good start to help keep you focused on necessary |
| and mail piling up outside your home and sending a | | | | items to take care of before leaving on any fun family |
| clear signal to burglars that your house is an easy | | | | vacations. |
| target. | | | | |