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