Vacation
Before You Go...Prepare an accurate, thorough inventory of all personal property. Store records off-site.
Collect house keys from outside "hiding" places. Leave a house key with a trustee, friend or neighbour. Leave the name of the property insurance agent with the trustee.
Give the trustee your away phone number in case of an emergency.
Ask the trustee to use you garbage can, put it out on pick-up day, and put it away. Ensure that your mail and newspapers are picked up. Have the lawn mowed.
Ask the trustee/neighbour to be alert for suspicious people or vehicles.
Put house or business lights and radio on 24 hour timers. Overlap timers: living area lights/radio turn off one hour before bedroom lights.
Trim shrubbery below window level.
Lock or bolt windows, doors, and outside sliding doors.
Close all interior doors (to stop spread of fire and smoke).
Check fire/smoke alarm wiring and/or batteries.
Check exposed wiring, cords and extension cords for fraying.
Shut off water heater circuit breaker. Turn off water supply to water heater, water, and dishwasher.
Unplug appliances with thermostats. Hide them from view. Turn home heating thermostat(s) down.
Store valuables in safe deposit box. Engrave driver's license number on markable valuables. Stow away guns, silver, china, etc.
Put drapes and blinds in a daytime position.
Remove combustibles stored against the side of home or business.
Install deadbolt locks on doors.
Leave a car in the driveway.
Activate burglar alarms and remember to give your trustee the code.
CampingBe sure your tent is flame-resistant. Read the labels before buying a tent.
Pitch your tent at least 15 feet away and upwind from campfires. Clear a three foot area around the tent, free of leaves, dry grass and pine needles.
Never use an open flame inside a tent. This includes any type of fuel-burning lantern, candles, stove or grill. Use only battery-operated lights. Keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby at all times. At night, the extinguisher or water should be inside the tent.
Have an escape plan. You may need to cut your way out of the tent if a fire should happen.
CampfiresKeep the campfire small. Surround it by rocks. Keep water handy. Never leave the fire unattended. Drown it with water or cover it with dirt or sand.
Don't allow children to play near the campfire.
Wear snug-fitting clothing when near campfires or grills.
Use dry twigs - not gasoline or liquid starter - to freshen a campfire.
Camping Trailers
Use only electrical or battery operated lights in trailers.
Keep a fire extinguisher near the camper/trailer exit door.
Make a fire escape plan. Keep a small axe handy to help in emergency escapes.
Check cooking and heating equipment carefully to be sure it is in safe operating condition.
