VACATION CHECKLIST: WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU GO

It's summertime and that means vacations for most families. Unfortunately, your vacation buzz can be lost too quickly when you get home and realize that you forgot to take care of a few essentials. Your vacation should be an enjoyable and relaxing time, so before you head out here are a few things to be sure to check off your list so that you can come back to your home in the safe condition you left it. 

• Hold mail and newspapers.
• Pay bills that will be due while gone.
• Make arrangements for a neighbor or friend to have a key to your house or apartment - or at least know where one is. Give them a number where you can be reached.
• Lock all doors and windows throughout the house.
• Leave a radio or something going in the house that makes sound and can be viewed as an indication that someone is home.
• Pour some baking soda into each of the toilets and the sink drains.
• Water plants.
• Unplug most electronic items especially those that have valuable data on them. These  include your TV, stereo, and especially computers. If there is a thunderstorm while you are away, these items can be damaged beyond repair if they are plugged in.
• Adjust the Thermostat: Set the temperature setting at no less than 52 degrees Fahrenheit during winter months to keep pipes from freezing and plants from dying. During the summer, you can set the air conditioning to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Take out all garbage throughout the house.
• Make sure the dishwasher is not full of dirty dishes.
• Make sure there are no wet clothes in washer or dryer or wet rags in the sink or bathroom.  If there are then hang them to dry.
• Shut off the water.
• Shut off the water to the washing machine. The hoses can easily break and cause severe flood damage to your home.