REMODELING ARTICLE - HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR LEAVING TOWN

1) Have your home prepared as you would for the season. 2) Install timers on lights, radios, and/or TVs. Program them to turn on and off by your normal rhythms. Also, take advantage of the holiday seasons and have decorations around your home to make it looked lived in. However do not over do it with holiday lights. These can be dangerous and start fires if not installed and monitored correctly.

3) Set heating system thermostat to lowest setting or turn it off. Do not turn your system off during the winter months. The house must stay above freezing so water pipes do not burst. Also, if you have a gas operated furnace and plan to turn it off completely, be sure to turn off the gas. The gas control valve is usually located near the furnace unit. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, call a licensed contractor to assist you.

4) Make all your windows and doors tamper proof. On sliding doors and windows install wooden rods or dowels cut to size. Place the rod on the track on the inside of the window or door so they will not open even if unlocked. Do not leave a key at the entry or back door of your home. These are the first places criminals will go to access your home. Be sure all your door and window locks are secure and functioning properly.

5) Lock up any valuables, such as jewelry, cash or important documents, in a non-portable fire-proof safe or a safety deposit box at your local bank.

6) Ask a trusted person to check on your home periodically and act as a contact person in case of an emergency. It is even better if you can get a house sitter. Leave a list of instruction of what needs to be done around your home (feed animals, plants, etc...) and contact numbers* in case you need to be reached. Be sure you carry a copy of your contact list with you. Include some of your neighbors' phone numbers also.

*Remember it is always wise to keep a list of emergency contact numbers for the following; 911 emergency, local police, local fire, local hospital, your alarm company, emergency contact persons (friend and relative), phone company, power company, and home repair company (Licensed Contractor). Keep this list by your main phone in clear sight.

7) Inform your neighbors that you will be out of town and ask if they will keep an eye on your home while you are gone. And if you have a monitored alarm system, call your security company and inform them of the dates you will be away from your home. Give them the number of the contact person that will be watching your house while away.

8) Make sure all alarms in your home are working and have fresh batteries.

9) Have a safe and relaxing trip knowing your home is taken care of.