Outside: Shut off outside faucets that are not frost free. Shut off lawn sprinklers, and have them blown out. Don't forget the outside shower. Secure pool and fish pond filters . If your not going to use your Hot Tub have it drained and winterized. Check and Secure any outside shed, garage, or crawl space that might become a winter home for wild animals. Store any grass seed , bird seed, or pet food in metal containers.
Inside: If your home is to be closed for the winter your have some choices to make. You can have the water system drained. Most new homes are designed to have this done fairly easily. Older homes might be more difficult to do. You might want to have your Plumber take care of doing this for you. If you can't drain your house or don't want to, then make sure that your heat is set for no lower than 55 degrees. Remove window AC units. Close any storm windows or shutters. Check all window and door locks. Put an old broom handle or other piece of wood in the track of the sliding glass door. This will prevent it from being jimmied open. Stop mail or news paper delivery. Notify your local police and Alarm Company that your home will be vacant and give them your contact information. Don't rely on friends, neighbors or contractors to keep a watch on your house. They take vacations too! Hire a Licensed and Bonded Security Agency.
