Before you leave home, here are some considerations that should be reviewed if you desire to return to a peaceful home that has less damage or loss.  We trust you have a safe trip and a safe, peaceful return.

• Depending on the length of time you are to be away, consider turning off the water at the entry to your home, especially if it is winter; the heat or electric could fail, causing your plumbing to freeze and allowing an unlimited amount of water to be released into your home. Sometimes plumbing will break in the warmer months as well, due to certain stressing issues. Even though you may have insurance to cover this risk for most causes of its loss, it can be a very messy aftermath to deal with. 
• Be sure to let your alarm company know you are away so that they are on extra guard if an event should present itself.
• Be sure all windows and doors are locked securely before you leave.
• A light timer or other device for TV or radio activity is good so that those who might be around your home do not think you are away for long.
• A great defense is to have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home while you are away, leaving contact info and such for them in case it is needed.
• Be sure that your mail is cared for while you are away. If you don't take this precaution, it is a quick giveaway that you are gone for a time.
• If you receive the newspaper or other deliveries, be sure to have these held until your return, for their protection and so as not to announce to the world that you are away.
• If it is winter time, be sure your heating unit has been serviced so that you have a lower risk of its failure while you are away.
• Pulled blinds are a good measure so that wondering eyes can not look in your home during the day or night while you are away.
• Many thefts are committed by persons presenting themselves as repairmen. Be sure this is noted with those watching your home so that an unexpected visit does not happen while you are away.
• If you have a scheduled service or repairman who might come while you are away, notify them that you need to change the date for this.
• Be sure valuables around your home are put away or taken to a safe place so that they are harder to take while you are away.
• Be sure all appliances and other items are turned off so that they do not malfunction while you are away.
• Have you had all appliances serviced as the manufacturers recommend to lessen your risk while you are away? For example, a garage door opener may malfunction by opening or start a fire from over- heating.
• Be sure your phone messages are checked/taken care of regularly while you are away so that this does not announce to the world you are away.
• If you have plants or pets, do not forget to make arrangement for their care while you are away.
• Be sure to arrange for the care of your lawn, if you are a homeowner, so that an unkept lawn is not announcing to the world you are away.
• Check to see when your scheduled bills are due, and make arrangements for their payment so that something is not turned off or disconnected while you are away.
• Be sure you have a extra key before you leave so that if one is lost, you are able to return without hassle.
• When you travel, be careful when filling out contact information about your home address and such so that you don't let the wrong person know you are away. If you have a business or office, that mail location and phone would be a better choice for their contact if that should be necessary, since there would usually be someone there to receive the contact. 

We do not warrant that this list covers all possible risks that might present themselves while you are away, but it should provide a basis to lessen your possible risks.  A review of your homeowners policy will assist you with a review of your limitations and benefits provided by your policy.