Checklist

Things to do before you leave

  1. Turn off hot water heater/turn off the breaker.

  2. Turn off breaker for the pool heater.

  3. Set air condition at 78 degrees.

  4. Close curtains and blinds to keep heat out.

  5. Keep interior doors open to circulate air throughout the home.

  6. Clean out refrigerator and freezer.

  7. Turn off water to refrigerator, ice maker, empty ice.

  8. Empty all garbage cans throughout home.

  9. Unplug all audio/visual components.

  10. Program light timers for on/off schedule.

  11. Bring in lanai furniture.

  12. Stop newspaper deliveries until your return.

  13. Forward mail to your off-season home.

  14. Place security sign outside: ADT, Ring, etc.

  15. Apply trickle charger to car battery. 

Ways to protect your home while away

  1. Install a home security system and make sure you show you have one.  A video security system that allows you to monitor your home remotely is ideal.

  2. Watch what you post on social media showing your absence.

  3. Have your yard maintained. Have someone maintain the lawn and pull the weeds and trim bushes. When not done it’s obvious no one is home.

  4. Have mail forwarded and cancel newspaper deliveries.

  5. Install proper lighting outside. Motion sensor lights or lights on a timer.

  6. Set up timers on interior lighting.  This way it appears someone is home.

  7. Hire a home watch company to check on your home, such as Honest and Fair Home Watch Care, LLC.

  8. Secure your garage door. Lock your garage door and the door that goes from the garage into the home.

  9. Lock all windows and doors. Sliding glass doors, put an object in tracks to prevent sliding.

  10. Keep your blinds closed.  It will help prevent fading, and the ability of someone looking in.