Extended Absence Checklist

Our community seems to be always on the move!  Whenever you’ll be away for an extended period of time, say longer than a week or two, be sure to use this checklist of suggestions to prepare.

• Notify the Resident Manager of your travel dates and provide him with name and contact number for anyone who you’ve provided access to your unit for care of plants, etc.
• In addition to giving the keys to your unit to a trusted friend, be sure they have keys to your bicycle or car in case your vehicle must be moved in case of emergency or just to start it periodically to keep the battery running.
• Unplug any small appliances or equipment (not fridge or stove) that pull power from electrical outlets to minimize damage from surges and spikes or risk of fire. This includes computer equipment, coffee makers, toasters, TV and audio equipment, etc.
• Disable any device on a timer that powers on every day like a coffee pot , TV, or A/C unit.   If you have an alarm to wake you up in the morning, turn it off.
• Make sure the batteries in your smoke alarm are working.  If you don’t have a battery tester, put in a fresh battery just in case.
• Close louvers on makai side of your unit to keep water out in the event of heavy rain or planned building washdowns.
• If your lanai has sun shades and you have no plants, you may want to close them completely.
• Wash the dishes and take out the garbage.  You don’t want to attract creepy crawlers while you’re away.
• Sign up to put your mail on hold several weeks before you leave.  You can do this easily online by going to https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/.
• Turn off water supply lines to the washing machine, toilets, and  sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms to avoid water leaks to other condos.

Weather hazards, plumbing issues and other emergencies can happen at any time.  Although your unit may be in tip top shape, we have seen instances when a neighbor’s unit had a water line leak and we were unable to access an absent owner’s unit to help to minimize the damage from the leak, nor were we able to contact the owner!  What a mess!

While on this subject, if you see or hear any water dripping or constant water running, please be sure to report this to our Resident Manager for investigation. The unit(s) you save could just be your own!