By Katharine Marrs
For your residence
· Set your home security system to “Away” mode and make sure alerts are functioning correctly. Consider adding a smart water shut-off device with leak detection to your home to prevent serious water damage in the event of a burst pipe
· Adjust your thermostat to conserve energy and reduce your electric bill
· Place a hold on your mail with the post office to protect important documents from weather and avoid an accumulation of letters and packages that indicates you’re away from home
For your auto
· Going on a road trip? Be sure to pack your most up-to-date auto insurance ID card and your insurance carrier’s claims phone number in case of any fender benders
· If your car is staying home while you jet off to a dream destination, remember to lock the vehicle, close all the windows and the sunroof, and remove any visible valuables to remove temptation for any would-be thieves
For yourself
· Refill any medications that you’ll need to take with you, and pack them in carry-on luggage rather than a checked airline bag.
· Alert your bank and credit card companies of your plans so they don’t shut off services for suspected fraud, especially for international travel
· Enjoy your trip!
