1. Make sure screened porch doors are secure, or latched shut to avoid animals from getting trapped.

2. If you are leaving the water on, lift all toilet seats to avoid mold from growing. Better yet, pour 4 in 1 Lysol in each bowl and leave seats up.

3. Consider turning water off; however make sure it does not interrupt your sprinkler system.

4. Go up your attic and look at the water pan underneath the A/C Heater. Make sure no visible drips are occurring and that the drain pan is empty. Same with your hot water heater. Schedule an AC/Heater maintenance to help insure against failures.

5. Place any pots or plants near your sprinkler heads to ensure some watering is taking place.

6. Have all mail, flyers, door hangers, phone books, business cards, etc. collected to avoid becoming a burglary target. Place at least two automatic timers on lights you regularly use when home.

7. Consider leaving a car outside in the driveway.

8. Consider installing or activating your alarm system and hook it up to the fire department in case of any lighting strikes or electrical shorts.

9. Make sure landscaping and hedges are cut short and away from the house and do a walk around inspection of your property making notes of any mulch that has been moved by animals. Examine all the overhangs and soffits, especially the inside corners to insure no openings or tears from animals. Another place to examine is your dryer vents and exhaust vents along the exterior. Make notes of any scratches, animal hair, etc. near entrances.

10.Consider hiring someone to do weekly or bi-weekly inspections of your property while away.