Top 10 Things to Remember Before You Go on Vacation

Spring is springing which means summer is not far behind. Most people have the opportunity to take a vacation while school is not in session.

Here are some great tips before you leave!

1.Make sure all appliances are turned off. Appliances are just waiting for you to go away so they can wreak havoc without you watching. This will be the time the hose on the washer decides to go, or the toaster wants to catch fire. Unplug all small appliances and turn off any unneeded appliances.

2.Clean the refrigerator! Take out anything that is perishable and chuck it! It won't be a pretty site when you come home if you didn't.

3.Lock all windows and doors. This is a no-brainer but you would be surprised at how many people forget to do it before they head away! If you have a sliding glass door, prop a piece of wood or other object in the track to prevent people from prying it open.

4.Newspapers and Mail. It's a welcome invitation to thieves that see a week's worth of newspapers piled up on the front lawn or overflowing mail out of the mailbox. Have the post office hold your mail while you'll be gone, or have a trusted neighbor pick it up. Call the Newspaper provider and have them put delivery on hold until you get back.

5.Lawn and yard care. You don't really want people to know you're away, so ask a neighbor or a pay-for-hire service to come cut your grass while you're gone. Have trash put out as usual as well, and have them empty containers brought back in on the same day.

6.Talk to your neighbors. Let your trusted neighbors know you'll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your house. It's a good idea to leave a phone number with them in case of emergency. Let them know if you're expecting any deliveries or service visits while you're away, and ask them to report any suspicious activity.

7.Don't leave a key outside your home! It's great that it's there in emergency cases, but if you're going to be gone for an extended time and the key will not be needed, remove it! Don't take any chances with someone finding it. Leave it with a trusted neighbor.

8.Set up interior timers. You want your house to look "lived in" while you're gone, so set timers on your lights. They are relatively inexpensive and worth their weight in gold.

9.Store your valuables. While you're gone, you won't need the deed to your house or your valuable jewelry. Store it in a safe deposit box that is off of the property. If thieves do break in, there won't be much for them to take.

10.Don't forget your furry friends! Or scaly if that's what you prefer! Remember to make arrangements for pets that you will not be bringing with you.

With a little planning, you can have a great vacation with minimal worrying about what's going on at home. A few steps in prevention, is worth a pound of cure. Remember to cover all your bases before you go away!