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At least one day before you leave.....

• Arrange with a neighbor to pick up and hold your mail and newspapers so they don’t pile up. If this is not possible, notify your news carrier and the post office to discontinue these deliveries.
• Make arrangements to have grass cut and watered while you are gone. Have someone check daily to remove throwaway papers and circulars from your doorway and yard.
• If you have valuables in the house, take them to your bank for storage in a safety deposit box. Deposit extra cash in your bank account.
• Notify your local police agency about your departure and return dates and give a name and telephone number of a neighbor or relative to notify in case of a burglary, fire or other emergency.
• Make sure any broken windows, door locks or window locks are repaired.
• Arrange with a neighbor or relative to watch your house. Let them know where and how you can be reached in an emergency. Write their telephone number down so you can check with them during your trip.
• Move all ladders, tools, lawn implements, garbage cans and yard furniture to your garage or storage shed.

• Unplug all electrical appliances such as radios, television sets, irons, washers, and fans to prevent possible damage from electrical storms.
• Set your thermostat so that your furnace or air conditioner will maintain a reasonable temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 55 degrees in the winter. In winter, make sure outside water taps are drained to prevent freezing.
• Close your fireplace flue to prevent birds or animals from entering.
• Make sure all gas appliances are in good working order and that pilot lights are working.
• Turn down the volume control on the bottom of your telephone and answering machine so it cannot be heard from the outside.
• Close and lock all windows and sliding doors. Make sure that a “Charley bar” is secure on sliding doors, and that all screens or storm windows are locked or fastened.
• Set your electrical timer to turn some lights on and off during the evening hours.
• Make sure that your garage door is locked.
• Make sure the last person out locks the door. Take a final walk around the house to double check all doors and windows.