1.)     All food items should be stored in the Refrigerator, including spices.  Remove all  perishables that will expire prior to your return.  Open Cereal, crackers, etc will get stale.  While in Florida store these items in air tight container.  

 

2.)     Turn off water at the “main” unless you have a pool or Spa.  Put a tag on the faucet to let the association know it is to be off.  If you do not turn off water at the main, turn off each faucet at the source.  Washer, sinks, toilet’s, etc. (If a water line burst’s it spray’s everywhere)  

 

3.)     Have a Humidistat.  Set at thermostat at 78-80 and the Humidistat at 65 Away.  Upon returning you may turn it off or to the Home setting.  Change A/C filter when leaving and again upon return.  It is recommended that this be done once per month while in residence, at minimum have an A/C service contract twice per year.  Mold grows at 83 degrees humidity.  

 

4.)     Have a lamp or 2 / or a small radio on a timer to make it look lived in if you do not have full shutters.  

 

5.)     Unplug all electronic equipment (Stereo’s, TV’s, Dryer, answering machine) Not the Refrigerator!!!!!  Many Clients have installed a “Whole house surge protector” I would still unplug, including the cable line.  Lightening strikes may travel your electrical, cable & plumbing.  

 

6.)     Dishwasher – the seal dries out, and ruins the whole appliance.  Have a friend poor a glass of water in the bottom monthly, or liberally oil a paper towel and wrap around the bottom mechanic’s of the dishwasher and leave the door OPEN.  Remember to remove prior to use.  

 

7.)     Double check all locks.  Doors and windows – especially double entry & French door’s have pin that should secured.  A deadbolt won’t hold if the pins are not secure in place.  For the Sliding Glass & regular windows if not shuttered – use a dowel, pin or lock flip that are fairly easy to install.  

 

8.)     Water Heater – unplug or flip the circuit breaker (make sure it’s not the refrig.) You can drain once it is off with a hose but make sure you refill with water PRIOR to plugging back in.  Or just turn to a lower setting, and then cycle the water that will be stale when you return.  

 

9.)     Close the Fireplace Flu.

 

10.)     Pocket Door’s many times turn color inside the wall.  Having the door “closed” will allow it to get light.

 

11.)     Bug’s – Hire a service – at minimum 1 treatment per year – keep bags from the grocery in the garage, don’t keep any paper bags especially in the house.  Roach eggs come home on them from the store.  Any sweet, sugar, rice or prepackaged items should be left in the Refrigerator.

 

12.)     All patio & Lanai furniture and grill should be moved into the property or garage unless you have shutters.  Wind can whip around destroying many things; many insurance companies won’t cover damage if it could have been prevented.  

 

13.)     I recommend Flood Insurance on every property.

 

14.)     Have someone check the property regularly, someone with a key   “just in case”. In Case of a Hurricane – Make certain you bring proof of ownership with “that” address (an electric bill in your name or a copy of the deed.)  Make sure that you have the correct ID to be allowed into the area.  Many times it is better to stay up North until the officials or keep in touch with a local friend for the ok to come down.