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