1. Lock your doors and windows before you leave. This sounds like a no-brainer but you would be surprised how many people forget to lock the upstairs bathroom window that they had opened just a crack.
2. Leave your house keys with someone you trust so that they may have access in an emergency. Also, leave your itinerary with them so that they may be able to contact you should the need arise.
3. Consider using timers on lights and/or appliances. One trick to using a timer is to set it so that it imitates normal household activity. Some timers are sophisticated enough to allow you to pre-program a different pattern for each day you are away.
4. Ask the post-office to hold or re-direct your mail while you are away. There is a simple form to fill out. You may even do it online from their website. And, even better - it is a free service by the post office! The same holds true for newspapers. To do otherwise would be a dead giveaway that you are away.
5. Don’t forget to make arrangements for services if you will be away long enough. For example, if your lawn will need to be cut, either cut it before you go or make arrangements to have it serviced as usual.
6. Be careful with electrical appliances. Unplug anything that may be a fire hazard. Do you have an automatic coffee maker? There is no reason to leave it plugged in. Do you have a space-heater? Plug it out.
So, be safe and have a great vacation!
