Preparing for Travel and Vacations

When going on vacation, here are items to check before leaving:

• If going out of town for more that 14 days, please notify HappyDoors how long you will be gone, and supply an emergency telephone number. Then should any problems arise concerning your residence, there is someone to contact.
• Check your rent payment to ensure it will not become delinquent. It would be a sad thing to come home to a late notice and charges.
• Notify all necessary parties such as your next-door neighbors, the paper delivery person, the post office, or any related service people. By doing so, you will avoid any panic that something is wrong.
• Select someone to pick up items on your doorstep to avoid giving signals to dishonest people.
• If leaving a vehicle in the driveway, remove any valuables and garage door openers that can be stolen, giving access to your home.
• Put garbage cans away or arrange for someone to take care of it.
• Place valuables and jewelry in a safe deposit box.
• Avoid leaving a message on your answering device telling people you are out of town and for how long.
• Set timers on interior lights, to deter burglars.
• Be sure to check all windows, window locks, and doors before leaving.
• If you have an alarm, be sure to set it.
• Turn off the water valve to your washing machine.
• Turn off all appliances, large and small, such as stove burners, coffee pots, irons, curling irons, etc.
• Unplug TVs and computers in the event of lightning or power surges.
• Turn your water heater to low or “vacation” setting, but do not turn the water heater off.
• Anything else living in your house besides you, such as plants or pets? Then be sure to water plants and have someone take care of your animals. Do not leave pets in the residence unless a reliable person is going to care for them daily