[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by Sgroemm

1. Put all food in the refrigerator or microwave. (Never leave any in the pantry...a quiet house is an open invitation to every mouse)
2. Cover the drains in the bath, kitchen or shower with a heavy bowl. (when water is not flowing down the pipes regularly...roaches climb up)
3. Put damp rid containers in both baths on the floor so they have no chance of overflowing (buy them at home depot or walmart)
4. Put a small amount of bleach in all toilets and cover the bowl with saran wrap. (prevents evaporation) and stops mildew and water stains.
5. Turn off the water valve to both toilets (on the wall under each one in the back) (a slow leak will cost a fortune in water use)
6. Turn off the water to the washing machine and unplug an electric dryer.
7. Set the A/C on 82-85 degrees. (yes leave it on, it saves your house from mildew/mold and saves your fridge from overworking)
8. Take any frozen food you can (we often lose power during hurricane season) and put one or two ice cubes in a zip lock bag in the freezer (when you return if they are in a different shape...we lost power enough to spoil frozen food)
9. Sprinklers -lawn leave them on, shrubs and stones-turn them off. (rainy season will take care of shrubs)
10. Close the blinds/shades for the cooling effect. Leave a light on a timer for security.
11. Leave the dishwasher open a crack for air circulation and be sure to run it before you go away.
12. PUT AWAY any porch furniture/lawn ornaments/wind chimes/etc. that can become projectiles during hurricane season.
13. Unplug electric golf carts. Top off the water in their batteries if it will sit in a hot garage.
14. Put the drain plug in the garbage disposal and make sure it is as clean as possible before you leave.
15. Leave your name and number with a trusted neighbor to give you a call if they notice anything odd...garage doors have gone up mysteriously, sprinklers spring leaks....
16. Unplug the TV and any small appliances (lightning capital.....)

GREAT LIST. I have compiled a similar list with most of these things but you have some I haven't considered. I saved yours!