Preparing Your Home For An Absence

If you plan to leave your home for several days or months, here is a checklist of items you should consider:

• Place on vacation hold or have temporarily forwarded all deliveries such as mail and newspapers.
• Have someone periodically check and remove hanging door ads, flyers, etc. Items left un-retrieved provide a clue that no one is staying in the home.
• Set light timers. Place extra bulb(s) on kitchen counter. Using compact fluorescent bulbs is best-they last longer and are cheaper to operate. Periodically, have someone check that the timers are functioning properly (e.g. units may need resetting after power failure) and that the light bulbs are OK.
• Disable your electric garage door opener. Garage door opener can be disabled by either unplugging the unit or by pulling on the mechanical disconnect, usually located on the overhead rail.
• Leave some curtains/blinds open to give the appearance of a lived-in look.
• Remove any emergency key(s) left outside (under mat, in planter, fake rock?). Thieves know to check most locations for extra keys.
• Set your security alarm. Install security protection sign on front and rear of property near entrances to home. Place security stickers on first floor windows. Your security system provider should provide both free of charge.
• Secure all doors and windows.
• Remove captive thumbturn on dead bolted doors with sidelight windows or doors with windows within 6’ of lock.
• Remove key(s) in deadbolt locks.
• Place security bar in track of all slider type doors to help prevent forced entry.
• Have someone periodically check your windows and doors to verify that they are secure.
• Make certain that all security, dusk/dawn activated, and motion detector activated lighting is functioning properly. Periodically, have someone check that lighting is functioning properly.
• Set furnace/AC to target temperatures. Leave thermostat manual on kitchen counter in case someone needs to reset them.
• Schedule service, including clearing of snow covered walkways (November-March). Have someone verify that contractor is providing services per the agreement.
• Schedule a lawn mowing service (April-November). Have someone verify that contractor is providing services per the agreement.
• Make certain that your personal & homeowners insurance policies are up-to-date.
• Close fireplace damper(s). Install a screened cap(s) on chimney(s).
• Secure all valuables in a safe or a safety deposit box.
• Place a copy of your home inventory in a safety deposit box and/or take a copy with you. In case of fire, you do not want your only copy left in your home. If you do not have a home inventory, create one or contract with a provider of home inventory services.
• Unplug all unused transformers such as those included with “dust busters”, radios, cordless phones, battery operated tools, cell phones and cell phone accessories, computer printers & scanners, paper shredders, PDAs, etc. All needlessly consume power.
• Unplug televisions. Televisions consume power even when they are not being used.
• Shut down computer, printer, external hard drives, fax machines, etc. Unplug power protection strips that supply the computer(s) and accessories. Back up your important data and photographs and place a copy in a safe deposit box and/or take a copy with you
• Unplug or shut off dedicated circuit breaker(s) to your microwave oven. Microwave ovens can be negatively affected by power surges or thunderstorms.
• Notify only trustworthy neighbors that you will be away. Only inform individuals with a critical need to know of your travel plans. Be cautious of informing others (even casually).
• Turn off gas supply valves to water heater, grills, gas fireplaces, auxiliary heaters, etc. Do not turn off the gas supply to units that are required to maintain required target temperature.
• Turn of water supply at main shutoff, unless your heating system or any other systems require water to operate properly (e.g. water powered sump pump back-up units, boilers).

If you cannot turn off your main water supply:

· turn off the water supply to your washing machine

· turn off the water supply to your refrigerator ice makers

· have someone periodically check your plumbing your for leaks

• Run the water in all sinks, showers, and tubs (including the utility tub) and flush all toilets. If you will be away for more than 4 weeks, have someone refill each trap to prevent sewer gases from entering your home.
• Remove all hoses and diverters from outside faucets.
• Turn off refrigerator ice maker unit(s) ─ usually by lifting the ice maker bail arm. This will stop the water demand signal from your refrigerator. If you are unplugging your refrigerator/freezers, place a box of baking soda inside each compartment and leave the doors partially open to allow for some air flow-this will prevent returning to a stale smelling appliance.
• Discontinue/place on hold services not required while you are away (DSL, garbage pickup, etc.). Schedule services for maintenance of pools, spas/hot tubs, ponds, etc.
• Some homeowners choose to notify their local police department of their travel plan dates. If you are contracting with a service to check on your home, provide the service provider name and phone number to the police department.
• Make certain that access to swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds, etc. are secure/locked. Inform anyone that may have a need to walk your property of the location for each. Snow cover can completely hide the existence of these potential hazards.
• Review this list immediately prior to vacating your home and check off each item.
• Consider contracting a professional service to periodically visit your home and check it out while you are away. Neighbors and relatives are a good back-up, but sometimes, while good intentioned, they fail to visit with enough frequency and/or may not be thorough and completely knowledgeable about home systems. Make sure that the professional service is insured.