When leaving your home for an extended period of time, get prepared. There are some basics that most of us are aware of, but they need to be reviewed now and again. First, don't make your absence obvious. Don't allow mail or newspapers to pile up on the front porch. And don't leave your garbage cans out. If your home has an alarm system be sure to activate it before you leave. If your alarm system is not monitored, ask a neighbor to call the police if the alarm sounds. And before you walk out the door, be sure to make one final walk-through.
Natural or propane gas appliances (and their pilot lights) pose danger. We suggest shutting the gas off at every appliance. If this isn't possible, your next best bet is to shut the gas off at the meter or supply tank.
Don't just turn the equipment off - unplug it. Small appliances, televisions and stereo equipment all can cause a fire if left connected. All it takes is one spark. Do you really want to leave the toaster plugged in that badly? Prior to leaving, turn off all remote controlled devices such as overhead fans, light fixtures and stereos using the hard-wired wall switch instead of the remote. A power failure will turn the device on again.
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and irrigation control timer. If your thermostat has a battery, replace it with a fresh one.
A broken water pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage by flooding the crawl space, basement and rooms of the home. One of the most effective means of preventing a flood is to turn off the main water source to the home. Be sure that turning off the water does not prevent your sprinkler system from continued operation. If it does then leave the main water source on and turn off the water to the dishwasher, washing machine, every sink and toilet, etc. individually.
Set the thermostat to Auto; Set A/C between 85° and 90°; Heat 55 to 60°. Change your A/C filters.
Garage door openers still are a problem. A neighbor or a crook can accidentally open them with the right (or wrong) opener code. So, whatever you do, don't forget to unplug the opener motor for further protection against unauthorized or accidental opening of your garage.
Use this handy checklist for things to deal with before leaving:
· Shut off all gas appliances
· Disconnect all electrical and electronic appliances (stereo, toaster, radio, etc.)
· Turn off the water to the house or each individual in-house valve
· Gather plants together for easy watering
· Contact the garbage company
· Contact the post office
· Contact the police
· Contact the burglar alarm monitoring company
· Ask a neighbor to call the police if your unmonitored alarm goes off
· Contact trusted friends who will keep watch while you are away
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