When You Leave For Vacation: Checklist
1. At least one week prior to your departure, fill out a Vacation Watch Card and mail or deliver it to The Sheriff’s Posse of Sun City West. Cards are available at: RH Johnson Recreation Centers Office, all Fire Stations, RH Johnson Library, Posse Headquarters and in all patrol vehicles.
2. Arrange for a neighbor to remove mail, newspapers and hand bills from your residence daily. For an extended vacation, notify the Post Office to hold or forward your mail. Also forward or stop delivery of newspapers.
3. Turn off switches to all kitchen range burners, the oven, washer and dryer and the hot water heater. Disconnect small appliances. DO NOT cut off electrical power to the meter. This shuts off your house number and is a sure sign the house is unoccupied.
4. Unplug the garage door motor; but DO NOT disengage the emergency pull chain. If you can, shut water off to the house ONLY; leave outside water on.
5. Lock all doors and windows. Let window shades hang naturally and use automatic night lights in appropriate rooms.
6. With a neighbor, leave your house key along with an address and phone number where you can be reached. Also furnish your neighbor with the names and phone numbers of the companies that service your air conditioner, security alarm, furnace, plumbing and electrical equipment in case of an emergency.
7. Place all your valuables and important papers in your safety deposit box.
8. For an extended vacation ask your key holder to make routine inspections inside your house. Remind your neighbors to call the Posse 584-5808 should he or she observe unusual activities around your property.
9. The Posse will make a regular inspection of the outside of your home and property. Anything unusual will be brought to the attention of your key holders.
10. DO NOT publicize your vacation trips.
