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What to Do Before You Leave for Vacation to Make Your Home Safe and Secure

By Robert Curley, About.com

Planning your Caribbean vacation may take most of your focus, but there's a few steps you need to take before you don that tropical shirt and head out the door. AAA offers some excellent advice on making your home safe and secure -- and your travels worry-free -- before you go:
  • Stop deliveries, especially the newspaper.
  • Set up a timed lighting system and turn on your alarm system.
  • Turn down phone ringers or set your voicemail/answering machine to pick up after one or two rings.
  • Store valuables in safe place.
  • Eliminate possible fire hazards-unplug appliances, make sure nothing blocks heat ducts.
  • Lock all doors and windows. Deadbolt doors and make sure sliding glass doors have locks and holding bars in place.
  • Make sure homeowner’s insurance is up to date.
  • Leave a trusted neighbor or family member with a number where you can be reached, in case there is an emergency with your home.
  • Arrange for care of pets, lawn and houseplants.
  • Empty your refrigerator of perishable foods.
  • Take out the trash. If you leave trash out for pickup ask a neighbor to put the trash can back.
  • Clean your house and do the dishes. Leave your house the way you want to come back to it. You already have to deal with unpacking, laundry, restocking groceries and a laundry list of other things to do.
  • Turn off computers
  • Adjust thermostat to save on electricity -- but don't set it too low if it is winter, or you'll risk coming home to frozen pipes.
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