Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

Things to Consider Before Leaving on a Vacation

By University of Mo. Extension

First posted on 07-22-2008


Before leaving home for an extended family vacation, there are several important things to consider according to Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

For example, it is a good idea to turn down the water heater thermostat before you leave in order to save energy.

“If you shut off the water supply to your home, you must shut off the power to the water heater, so you don’t risk exploding it,” said Schultheis.

When taking a summer vacation, Schultheis recommends leaving the electricity on.

“If the house is equipped with a sump pump and it rains heavily while you are gone, the pump will cycle on and you won’t have a flooded basement, crawlspace or house,” said Schultheis.

However, he would shut off faucets to the clothes washing machine.

“Even if I left the water on to the rest of the house, I would turn off the supply to the washing machine because those rubber hoses could fail while you’re gone,” said Schultheis.

Here are a few other recommendations to consider before leaving on vacation.

First, stop deliveries to your home (newspapers and mail) and arrange for the care of pets.

Second, plan for the care of your garden, plants, lawn and take out the garbage.

Third, Schultheis says it is a good idea to put selected interior lights on timers to give a lived-in look while also leaving a house key with a trusted neighbor or relative.

Fourth, unplug all small appliances and turn up the thermostat on the air conditioner to at least 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, empty the refrigerator of anything that may go bad, store valuables in a safe deposit box or secure place and lock all doors and windows.

The sixth step would be to leave an appropriate message on the answering machine and learn how to retrieve messages from another phone.

And finally, leave schedules, keys and instructions for a house sitter and set window shades, blinds or drapes for a lived-in look.

“It is also a good idea to only mention vacation plans to people you completely trust,” said Schultheis.

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