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 When planning your vacation, it's important to give some
thought to your home before you go. If you are not able to have a house
sitter, these simple tips will help keep your home and property secure
while you are away.
- Make sure all window and door latches are
locked and in good working condition.
- Use light timers to give your home the
illusion of occupancy.
- Let someone know that you will be gone. Ask
your neighbor, or someone else you trust to look after your house
and keep an eye out for unscrupulous individuals while you are gone.
You might want to consider letting friends or relatives stay at your
place; this would give you an extra layer of security.
- Turn water off at the main valve. During the
winter you should also drain the faucets to avoid frozen pipes that
could break and flood your home. Remember to turn the water heater
off before you turn the water off.
- When possible, place valuables in a safety
deposit box.
- Unplug toaster, coffee pot, irons, kitchen
range, microwave oven. Portable heaters Never leave a portable
heater plugged in, even if it is equipped with a thermostat.
- Have someone mow your lawn or shovel your
snow.
- Have your newspaper delivery discontinued and
ask the post office to hold your mail or have a neighbor collect
these items.
- If you have a gas fireplace, turn off the
pilot light.
- Make
certain there is nothing obviously wrong on your home's exterior or
anywhere else on your property. If you do find a problem, not matter
how small, be sure to fix it before you leave. If you don't it will
only be worse when you return.
Make sure to put new batteries in smoke detectors.
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