Vacation Check List

Arrange Arrange for a neighbor/friend to pick up fliers, handbills, papers, etc. Arrange for a house sitter or neighbor to check periodically. Avoid Deed  Restriction problems by contracting with a yard care person to maintain the grounds, pick up fruit, etc, on a routine basis.  A front yard, patio, porch or carport that has debris, dead leaves and/or newspapers is an open invitation to burglars! Disconnect Disconnect the TV (s) and other appliances. Fill-out   Fill-out Posse vacation watch (blue) card and deliver it to them.  The Posse will check the outside of your home periodically.  Blue cards are available at the SCHOA, COA, libraries and Posse headquarters. Inform Inform your condo chairperson (if a condominium) or your neighbors of  your departure date, address, and contact information. Set Set your thermostat properly for the period of your absence. Stop all regular deliveries of newspapers.  Call the circulation department  with stop/start dates. (Daily- News Sun  977-8351; Independent 972-6101; Arizona Republic  602-444-1000) Turn Turn off your water faucets firmly.  All kitchen range burners and oven switches/knobs off.  Refrigerator/freezer/ice maker to “vacation” position. Freezers are more efficient when almost full.  Extended periods of absence may require turning refrigerator off, emptying it and leaving door open. Turn gas to hot water heater off (remember to relight when turned back on). Turn all electrical switches to the off position (hot water heater, etc)  If your water heater is gas, turn the thermostat down to Vacation Mode. Turn off main water cut-off.  If you are unable to turn all of your water off, such as Irrigation, contact Sun City Mechanical for alternatives to keep your home safe while you are gone. Unplug Unplug the automatic garage door opener (usually in ceiling). For assistance in seeking other vendors to assist you, call the SCHOA for names of companies and/or individuals who are listed in our Vendor Referral Program.  This is a free service for our members.  If you are not a member, our annual dues are  $12 for a household.   Some of these vendors are “Gold Plus”, which indicates that they have agreed to give SCHOA members a minimum of 5% discount on labor.  For details on membership or for a referral, call our office at 623-974-4718.