You can take a vacation this summer with few worries if you take some preventive measures before leaving. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department suggests these tips to keep your property fire-safe when on vacation:
• Close windows and shutters
• Check your smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning when you return from vacation. Batteries could run down or other components could fail while you’re away.
• Check to make sure that all stoves and heat sources have been turned off.
• Turn off all unnecessary appliances and make sure everything that draws electrical current is unplugged – lightning or sudden electrical surges could cause a fire in the equipment while you’re away.
• Put your irrigation system on a timer or enlist someone to water your property if and when needed to help maintain plant health and fire resistance.
• Make sure all flammable materials are stored completely away from the exterior of your home.
• Leave your house and car keys with a neighbor or relative in case of an emergency.