| Going on vacation is an exciting time and | | | | be viewed as an indication that someone is |
| there can be all kinds of last minute | | | | home.* Disconnect the garage door so that it |
| problems and annoyances that can arise that | | | | cannot be operated by remote control from the |
| can keep you from taking care of things that | | | | outside. Usually there is a lever that you |
| you should before you leave. Unfortunately, | | | | can pull on the opener that can accomplish |
| remembering those things that you should have | | | | this easily.* Unplug your washing machine |
| done later on is not going to help, so here | | | | hoses. These can easily break and if they do |
| are some things to be sure to check off on | | | | while you are away for several days it could |
| your list before you leave on vacation:* Lock | | | | cause near catastrophic flood damage to your |
| all doors and windows throughout the house.* | | | | home before you would be able to do anything |
| Unplug most electronic items especially those | | | | about it.* If you have pets make sure that |
| that are expensive or may have valuable data | | | | they have an automatic feeder and plenty of |
| on them. These can include your TV set, | | | | food and water, if you choose not to board |
| stereo, and especially computers. If a storm | | | | them in a kennel or leave them with someone |
| comes through while you are away, these items | | | | else. Also be sure that the heating/AC system |
| can be damaged beyond repair simply by being | | | | is set to keep things comfortable for them in |
| plugged into the wall outlet, so remove that | | | | the house while you are gone. If you do |
| possibility before you leave. Also, if you | | | | choose to leave your pets at home it's a good |
| use a modem it would be good idea to unplug | | | | idea to arrange for someone to stop by daily |
| it as damage can also happen due to the phone | | | | and check on them and spend a little time |
| connection used.* There is no need for your | | | | with them too.There are other reminders that |
| water heater to continue to operate at a high | | | | would be good to have on your away list too, |
| level since it will not be used throughout | | | | but these should be a good start to help keep |
| the time that you are gone, so turn it down | | | | you focused on necessary items to take care |
| to a low setting.* Call and cancel your paper | | | | of before leaving on any fun family |
| and mail delivery while you are gone. You | | | | vacations.Thad Pickering writes on many |
| certainly don't want newspapers and mail | | | | consumer related topics including vacation |
| piling up outside your home and sending a | | | | travel. You can find out more about how to |
| clear signal to burglars that your house is | | | | find all inclusive resort vacations and |
| an easy target.* Leave a radio or something | | | | discount all inclusive vacations by visiting |
| going in the house that makes sound and can | | | | our Vacation Guide website. |