Everyone needs a vacation and everyone deserves to come back from vacation to a home that is in the same condition as when you left. Here are some tips to make sure your home is protected. Check these off your list and have a great vacation!
- Make sure all electrical appliances are turned off.
- Lock all windows and doors.
- Call and have the newspaper and mail held until your return or have them picked up by a trusted neighbor.
- Arrange to have your lawn mowed (or snow shoveled) while you’re away. Ask a neighbor to set out your trash on collection day and then retrieve empty cans and recycling bins the same day.
- Let a trusted neighbor know you will be away and have them keep an eye on your home for you. It’s a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
- Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
- Set timers on interior lights.
- Make sure to unplug televisions, computers and appliances that are susceptible to lightning and power surges.
- Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended vacation.
- Store jewelry and valuable papers in a safe deposit box.
- Arrange for the care of pets.
- Hockable valuables like electronic equipment and computers should not be visible from uncovered windows. If they can’t see something that they can easily convert to cash, they may move on to the next prospect.
- Set the heating system to provide minimum heat of 55 degrees.