25 CHECKLIST FOR CLOSING YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER!
Homeowners who are leaving for an extended vacation or the entire summer need to take steps to protect their home. Desert locals share these 25 steps they take to protect their homes:
- Local homeowners differ on whether to turn the air conditioner off or leave it at a high setting, but all agree to make sure it doesn't run constantly.
- Clean food out of refrigerators, freezers and cupboards.
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Unplug all appliances, TVs, lamps, radios, washers, dryers and small electronics.
- Close all blinds and curtains.
- Set lights and sprinklers on timers.
- Enlist a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on the property or hire a property management company.
- If applicable, notify the homeowners association that the home will be vacant and provide them with emergency contact information.
- Arrange landscaping and pool care.Use earthquake safety straps and brackets to attach heavy furniture to walls.
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To help add moisture to furniture, place buckets of water throughout the home.
- Close drains.
- Turn off inside water valves to the washer, under sinks and at toilets.
- Turn the water heater to the “vacation” setting.
- Turn off telephone ringers.
- Bring in outdoor furniture.
- Take out all trash.
- Strip beds to allow mattresses to air out.
- Vacuum carpets and floors to ensure that no sources of food remain for vermin.
- Take all small valuables with you.
- Arrange for mail forwarding, and stop the newspaper.
- Put candles and clothing items with elastic — bathing suits, undergarments, etc. — in the refrigerator to prevent the heat from destroying them.
- Lay lamps on the ground to prevent breakage in the event of an earthquake.
- Oil wooden furniture.
- Cover furniture with tarps to protect from dust and/or plastic in the event of a roof leak.
- HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!
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