- Make sure your home looks lived-in: mow the lawn, cancel your newspaper and mail delivery.
- Ask a neighbor to turn your lights on and off, to open and close your curtains and, if possible, to park a car in your driveway.
- Leave your itinerary and credit card numbers with someone you trust and who can be reached in an emergency.
- Use a timer for your lights and, if you have an alarm system, tell a neighbor.
- In the event of an extended vacation, advise your insurance agent.
- Keep your valuables in a safe deposit box.
The day you leave:
- Make sure that your doors and windows are locked and that the alarm is activated.
- Turn off the main water valve: water damage may not be covered by your insurance if you are away too long.
- Unplug all unnecessary appliances and turn off the hot water heater.
- Make sure to take out the garbage.