Preparing your home for traveling abroad

I live in Carlsbad, Ca. and we are in the middle of  Fire Storm 2014... We are safe and have our evacuation plan and items ready to go.. This is something that we have ready to pull together at a moments notice.. Pictures, Meds, Laptops, Phone Chargers and pets. Most of our important docs are in the cloud.. 

We have several neighbors that are out of the country on vacation... They have done all the routine tasks to prepare for travel.
1. Lights on timers
2. Stop the mail
3. Clean out the fridge
4. Have pets in lodging...


Having to evacuate is different... and here are a few tips to make sure that a disaster at home (although heart breaking) does not cause even more loss then needed.

1. Make a list of what you need in an emergency evacuation. Pics,       Jewelry, Documents, Meds ,other items...you should have

    this anyway...

2. Place items in your bank safety deposit box or a home safe that       can withstand fire for at least 30 minutes.
    Making sure your fridge is cleaned out is important.. as here in         Carlsbad and other areas of San Diego the power has been turned     off.. You do not want to come home to an untouched house
    that reeks of spoiled food.

3. Make sure your insurance is up to date.. and you have pics of           items especially those not stored safely to  help with ins. 
    claims upon return... 

4. Leave on your trip knowing that living life to the fullest is 
    better then things.. but the things you treasure or     
    need are taken care of.. if all else is gone..



No one can predict when a disaster can occur.. but knowing your most important items are safe allows you to enjoy your trip with less stress and more enjoyment...