KEEP GOOD VACATION VIBES GOING STRONG!
Taking a vacation can be exhausting work! As much as we enjoy leaving our everyday behind to start on an adventure for a week or two or more, how much more enjoyable it usually is to see our own front door again…unless that front door is standing open!
In honor of National Safety Month, here are some suggestions for keeping the good vibrations from your summer vacation alive by following a few safety tips before heading out:
· A quick visit to the USPS online service to put a “HOLD” on mail delivery should be the first order of business. Don’t forget to arrange stopping any newspaper delivery as well. Or perhaps, just ask one of your neighbors to scoop that up when they give the place a quick once over daily. Your Neighborhood Watch captain would most likely welcome the opportunity to help in this area.
· Unplug small appliances and electronics like the TV that won’t be used while you’re gone. Not only will you save on electricity, you’ll protect your gear from any electrical surges. (Unplug even if you have surge protection. It could prevent an electrical fire)
· Lights are a major deterrent to any break in. If your alarm system offers the option put it to good use or try a timer system.
· You know you locked the doors and windows. Go ahead and take one more walk around. It can’t hurt and you might catch something you missed the first time around (like that front door left ajar by accident!)
· And please try to refrain from advertising that you’re gone on FB! Those pics can wait ’til you get home!
Even when it isn’t vacation time, there are some things you should consider spending one afternoon crossing off the “To Do” list to avoid other disastrous damage to your home:
· Do a perimeter check; watch for termite tunnels or lines of ants marching to and fro. Be on the lookout for any cracks in your foundation or weeds crawling up under the eaves or siding.
· Are the downspout extensions properly attached and directing all water away from the foundation? In the course of a year, working around the yard and heavy wind may have loosened the connection to the downspouts and water could be seeping into your foundation.
· Did you clean those gutters out this past fall? If not, no time like the present before the next season of falling debris causes water to back up under your roof shingles. A new roof could really eat into next year’s vacation fund!
Most real estate agents send out regular email alerts with excellent tips, tricks and reminders on maintaining the beauty and value of your home. Not on anyone’s email list? Find a helpful agent in your locale and ask to be added to their data bank for updates and reminders!