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Summer Vacation Checklist Print E-mail
Tuesday, 24 May 2011 12:39

AAA estimates 34.9 million Americans will travel over 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. As vacation season begins, it's important to remember crime doesn't take a holiday.

Review this vacation checklist from Travelers Insurance before you hit the road:

  1. Make sure all electrical appliances are turned off.
  2. Arrange to have your newspaper and mail held until you return, or have them picked up by a trusted neighbor.
  3. Arrange to have your lawn mowed while you’re gone. Ask a neighbor to put your trash out on collection day and then retrieve empty bins the same day.
  4. Let a trusted neighbor know you'll be gone to keep an eye on your home. Leave your vacation address and phone number so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
  5. Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
  6. Set timers on interior lights.
  7. Make sure to unplug TV's, computers and appliances susceptible to lightening and power surges.
  8. Advise your alarm company and local police if you will be gone for an extended period of time.
  9. Store jewelry and valuable items in a safe-deposit box.
  10. Set the heating system to provide minimum heat of 55 degrees.