Suggestions...

Suggestions that you may want to do before leaving your home:

If you will be away for an extended period, check with your home owners Insurance Company to see if your policy contains a vacancy validation clause that requires the homeowner to ensure a competent person is checking their dwelling while they’re away. You should explain the circumstances of your absence to be sure that you are adequately covered.

Determine the best method for handling your mail. The post office will hold mail up to 30 days. Otherwise leave a forwarding address. Call to restart delivery when you return rather than giving this information when you leave. This keeps your length of time away private. Don’t forget the newspaper or any other type of deliveries.

 

If we’ll be checking on your pets; be sure to have adequate supplies and detailed information on there needs including your veterinarian’s phone number.

 

Walk through your home and check that all windows and doors are secured and locked.

 

If possible; be sure that your main water supply valve is turned off due to the possibility of plumbing pipe leaks, washing machine hose failure, refrigerator water line failure or water heater failure. If you have a pool, ask your pool service company to turn the water on and off at the main valve as needed.

 

Take a list of important contact numbers along in case arrangements need to be made.

 

Put in a new air filter(s) for your air conditioning system (if an extended absence).

 

Close all blinds or drapes that allow in direct sunlight to reduce air conditioning costs and block out ultra violet rays which can be harmful to furniture and carpets.

 

Unplug your garage door opener to prevent unwanted access by thieves who may have electronic devices that can activate a multitude of operating frequencies.

 

Remove, discard or give away any perishable food products that would expire before your return.

 

If your clothes closets are not conditioned leave the doors open for better circulation.

 

Due to this area’s frequent lighting, you may want to consider unplugging any electrical appliances or electronic equipment that is not necessary to your homes function to prevent damage including the garage door opener. If the refrigerator or freezer is disconnected; be sure the doors are propped open. If not be sure the ice cube maker is turned off.

 

If you have a security system provider, contact them and let them know when you will leave and who will be watching over the home. Check that they have current phone numbers in case of an emergency.

 

If you have a pool, be sure that you have a Pool Service Company do routine maintenance.

 

Be sure that you give your contact information to any service companies, friends, neighbors or relatives.

 

Put alarm company stickers / decals on windows even if you don’t have an alarm system.

 

This is a little known fact, but can and has been documented several times. Hydrogen gas can build up inside your water heater over a period of non-usage which could in rare instances cause your dishwasher or washing machine to explode if they are the first appliances operated upon your return home. Hydrogen gas is very explosive and the heat or small spark from the appliance’s timers or controls can be enough to cause an explosion. To avoid this rare event from happening to you, you should (upon your return) run all hot water faucets for at least ten minutes to expel any gas that may have accumulated in the water heater.

 

On your return home contact your neighbors or utility company to see if there have been any power outages that lasted long enough to spoil refrigerated foods.

 

Do not leave air fresheners or night lights plugged in; several have been recalled that can be a fire hazard.

 

For that occupied look:

 

Have a neighbor park his car in your driveway occasionally.

 

Be sure all deliveries are suspended or picked up daily while you’re away (e.g.) U.S. Mail, UPS, Fed-ex, newspapers etc.

 

Arrange to have lawn mowed while you are away for an extended period.

 

Use timers on lights (for safety; not on lamps with flammable shades). The best researched location is the bath.