DASH. OF. THIS. AND. THAT

             Vacation/ Leaving Home Check List

    Peace of mind, keep your home safe while you are away

 

 

• Do not post information online that you will be going on vacation or will be away.

• Do not give dates and times of any events you will attend while leaving the house empty.

• The fewer people you tell about your vacation, the safer it will be.  Word spreads quickly.

• If the word is out, mention  someone will be staying at the house while you are away.

• Ask the post office to hold your mail

• Cancel your newspaper subscription  instead of suspending.

• Park your car in the driveway.  You can remove the distributor cap so it can not be driven.

• Have someone park their car in your driveway if you aren’t leaving a car home

• Leave your blinds and/or curtains open. or leave only one or two down or closed.

• Keep a radio playing

• Use automatic timers switch  indoor/outdoor lights on at different times of the day and night

• Leave a bathroom light on, a few lights on indoors if you do not have timers.

• Unplug appliances and exposed wires

• Replace alarm batteries

• Lock all windows and doors, including the basement and shed.

• If you have a trustworthy neighbor, relative or friend -give them a key to check on the house.

• Ask them to remove any flyers left on your property.

• Leave a good contact # in case of an emergency.

• Ask a trustworthy friend, neighbor or relative to watch pets, plants, + watering if necessary

• Mow your lawn and water thoroughly before leaving

• Gather all potted plants in a convenient shaded area near a hose

• If you do not have inground sprinklers, set a few sprinklers strategically for ease of watering.

• Hide valuables in an inconspicuous spot (ie: Rubber cement canister in basement.)

• Dog care- get two automatic fill watering and feeding bowls if you can, get someone to stick to your dog’s daily schedule, have someone check your pet frequently or leave with someone you can trust.

• Cat Care- set two litter boxes, set two automatic fill watering bowls, (one with ice) and an automatic filling food dish, have someone check occasionally or leave with someone you can trust.

• Gather houseplants and place in a tub filled with an inch of water

• Return rented or borrowed items