| Planning to take a vacation? Be sure to take a few | | | | stray cat to scratch it all over in your absence, would |
| basic precautions before you leave for that essential | | | | you? |
| peace of mind while you are enjoying yourself in a | | | | Now for those pesky insects. Get a good insecticide |
| far-away land. There may be contingencies you may | | | | and spray well into all the corners of your home. |
| never have even thought of, and for all you know, it | | | | Though you may feel that your special oak or Amish |
| may well take place in your absence. It is when the | | | | furniture is termite proof, it is better not to take a |
| owners are away that thieves, cats, mice, insects of all | | | | chance. I'm sure you wouldn't like the little white ants to |
| hues, who wouldn't dare to come in front of you, | | | | try out your favorite piece of furniture for breakfast! |
| manage to find their way into your house and make | | | | More so when you are not around to take immediate |
| their presence felt. Remember the movie "Home | | | | corrective action. |
| Alone"? | | | | Buy a set of good locks for the main door and the |
| The first and foremost thing you need to do is take an | | | | garage. Though their chief purpose is mainly to inform |
| insurance policy. Even if you are brave enough not to | | | | the thieves that you are away(locks are meant for |
| keep your house normally insured (though rightfully, you | | | | ordinary folk), a good, solid one will have some |
| should), do get hold of the insurance guy and get it | | | | deterrent effect. |
| done now. Don't worry about the extra cost - consider | | | | Inform the local beat constable to keep a watch while |
| it to be a part of the holiday expenses and it'll appear | | | | you are away. Giving them details of your holiday will |
| miniscule. If you are already holding insurance, make | | | | usually ensure he'll keep a watch for any untoward |
| sure it will remain valid till the time you come back. Also, | | | | light that isn't supposed to be on in your absence. |
| check to confirm if it covers theft, and any unforeseen | | | | Telling the neighbors to keep an eye out isn't a bad |
| natural calamity that may just decide to strike while | | | | idea either. |
| you are away. | | | | A last word - don't leave any valuables home despite |
| The next is preventive maintenance. Cover all your | | | | the insurance. Leave your jewelry in a bank locker or |
| furniture with sheets to prevent dust from piling up in | | | | at a relative's place if you are not carrying it along. |
| your absence. And if you have exclusive stuff like | | | | Wouldn't want to chase the insurance if there's an |
| Amish handcrafted furniture or the special Amish | | | | easier way out, would you? |
| made furniture your husband gifted you on your | | | | Enjoy your holiday! Go in peace - you will find your |
| anniversary, be doubly sure to cover it up well and tie | | | | home in the same condition you left it! |
| down the covers to the legs. You wouldn't want that | | | | |