What to turn off and check before leaving on vacation

The warm season has begun. The holiday season is gaining momentum. People stranded in the concrete jungle are eager to get out into nature. Country cottages, tourist centers, lakes and the Cote d'Azur await guests! But, as they say, “it’s good to be away, but it’s better to be at home”! In order to return from vacation and see your apartment in the same condition in which you left it, you need to take care of this before leaving.

Let there be light

If you are going away for the weekend, just unplug all electrical appliances. But if the trip is much longer, then it is better to turn off the power to the apartment. This will help avoid problems with short circuits, and subsequently reduce the risk of a fire caused by you.

Also, if you refuse electricity while you are away, you can save on utility bills.

Water procedures

Water, of course, is useful, but when it flows from sockets or over the neighbors’ expensive wallpaper, it will not add health and good mood.

It is very important to turn off the water supply when leaving. Don't forget about batteries. A small and unnoticeable leak that may not be visible upon inspection will turn into a communal hell for you and your neighbors.

Be careful, GAS!

Many houses and apartments have gas supply. This is an inconspicuous "resident", but if used incorrectly it can cause a lot of trouble.

• Firstly, the whole family, without exception, must know where the gas valve is. With modern renovations, builders hide it very far away.
• Secondly, don’t take risks and be sure to stop the supply of home fuel during a long absence. This will help avoid leaks, fires and even explosions of household gas.

Thieves don't sleep

Reference! According to statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, major burglaries annually account for 25% of the total number of crimes in the country.

The picture is disappointing... And every owner, going on vacation, wants to return and see “everything that was acquired through back-breaking labor” safe and sound.

That's why:

• Be sure to check the windows and vents. Close everything. It’s good if there are locks on the handles of plastic windows, use them.
• Make sure the front door is closed. In a hurry, do not forget to rent out the apartment for an alarm system (if possible). If there is no security, then you can resort to some tricks (a sticker on the door indicating that the apartment is under video surveillance or a light sensor that can signal to uninvited guests that the apartment is being watched). Don't leave a chance to thieves!

Of course, it’s better to prepare for the holidays in advance and think through the little things. Perhaps you can arrange for friends or relatives to visit your home regularly. Or inform the chairman of the HOA that you are leaving and leave him emergency contact information.

It also doesn’t hurt to get to know your neighbors who live in the same building as you and ask them to look after your “lonely” living space during your absence.

Be careful and rest easy!